The "BRIGhTMIND" study is testing the effectiveness of a new approach to treat Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) using magnetic stimulation applied via the scalp.

Treatment resistant depression is depression that has not improved with at least two previous antidepressant treatments. The treatment we are testing is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and has been recommended for use in the NHS in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for treatment resistant depression.

*The study is now closed to new participants*

If you would like to find out more please contact a member of the research team. 

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a new form of treatment for depression. A particular region of the brain is stimulated using a magnetic coil placed on the head. This stimulation activates cells in the brain which will go on to release a chemical. The imbalance of chemicals in the brains of depressed patients may be corrected. 

Currently, there are uncertainties about how to achieve the best results from this procedure, in terms of where it needs to be targeted on the scalp and the pattern of the magnetic pulses. Recent developments in magnetic resonance brain imaging means that we can locate a part of the brain where three different brain systems involved in depression symptoms meet (the position varies in each person). If we target the magnetic stimulation at this site, those who respond to TMS and the length of time they remain well afterwards might be increased, compared to standard TMS without brain imaging. So it may be more beneficial for patients to have these brain scans before receiving TMS, however TMS given without brain imaging is already an effective treatment for TRD so there might not be a need for a brain scan.

Another reason for using brain scans in research studies on TMS is to get a better understanding of how it works. This may help to make TMS a more effective treatment in the future.

The trial has been funded by the EME Programme National Institute for Health Research.