Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) in Mood Disorders: 6 Treatments



Status:Suspended
Conditions:Depression, Psychiatric
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology
Healthy:No
Age Range:21 - 55
Updated:4/21/2016
Start Date:May 2010
End Date:May 2020

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Low Field Magnetic Stimulation in Mood Disorders in Six Visits

To demonstrate the efficacy of multiple applications of Low Field Magnetic Stimulation
(LFMS) as an antidepressant treatment in subjects with mood disorders.

The Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) procedure is an application of a series of
electromagnetic pulses to the brain lasting twenty minutes. The field and timing parameters
of the LFMS pulses, such as pulse timing, duration, frequency, and electric and magnetic
field distribution and direction are different from other neurostimulation methods.

The mechanism of action for the antidepressant effects of LFMS is hypothesized to be an
effect on dendritic or synaptic activity in the cortex, brought about by low level
electrical stimulation applied with particular timing. This is analogous to the synaptic
effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants in providing a "boost" to synapses in certain
brain regions.

Previous investigations of LFMS included depressed subjects with bipolar disorder. This
study will evaluate the antidepressant effects of multiple LFMS treatments in bipolar
disorder and major depressive disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects MUST be significantly depressed, currently.

2. Subjects must not have serious physical illnesses, neurological diseases or
dementias.

3. Subjects will meet DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar Disorder Type I or II, Major
Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, and be currently depressed.

4. Subject must have a Ham-D score > 17, YMRS score < 7 (bipolar subjects only), and a
MADRS score > 18.

5. Subjects must be capable of providing informed consent.

6. Subjects must have an established residence and phone.

7. Subjects may be medicated or unmedicated.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dangerous or active suicidal ideation.

2. Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.

3. Substance abuse (cannot meet DSM criteria for substance abuse, no significant drug
abuse within last 3 months, no major polysubstance abuse history, no history of
dependence in last year, no drug use within last month).

4. Mixed mood state or rapid cycling.

5. Presence of a pacemaker, neurostimulator, or metal in head or neck.
We found this trial at
1
site
115 Mill St
Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
(617) 855-2000
McLean Hospital McLean Hospital is a comprehensive psychiatric hospital committed to providing easy access to...
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mi
from
Belmont, MA
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