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Effect of Neurofeedback and TMS
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to is to learn whether adding EEG neurofeedback (NFB) to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe and feasible for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study will also explore whether combining NFB with TMS may improve depression symptoms and change brain activity related to mood, focus, and rumination. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is alpha-down neurofeedback safe, tolerable, and feasible for people with MDD? * Does alpha-down neurofeedback improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and difficulties with attention, emotion regulation, and rumination? * Does combining neurofeedback with TMS produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone? Researchers will compare 3 groups (TMS only, neurofeedback only, and TMS combined with neurofeedback) to see if combining neurofeedback with TMS will produce greater changes in symptoms than either treatment alone. Participants will: * Complete assessments of depression severity, anxiety, and cognitive function. * Complete 5 treatment sessions Monday through Friday. * Receive alpha-down neurofeedback, TMS, or both, depending on their group assignment. * Complete EEG recordings of brain activity before and after treatment. * Complete a questionnaire about their experience in the study.
Official title: Pilot Study of Synergistic Effects of rTMS and Neurofeedback in Major Depressive Disorder
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2027-01
Completion Date
2027-01
Last Updated
2026-10-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) will be delivered using a MagVenture device targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). TMS is delivered through magnetic pulses which induce electrical currents in the brain. TMS will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days.
Alpha-down EEG Neurofeedback
Alpha-down EEG neurofeedback (NFB) will be administered using EEGer 4.4.0 software with electrodes placed at Pz, A1, and A2. Participants will receive visual feedback while training to downregulate alpha-band EEG activity (8-12 Hz). Neurofeedback training will be administered once a day, for 5 consecutive days.