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RECOVERS - Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision Regulation networkS

Medical University of South Carolina · with Columbia University, University of Oklahoma · NCT05977439

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–65 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
120
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
February 1, 2024
Record last updated
July 21, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

In this research study, investigators examine how brain activity changes during tests of emotional processing, attention, and memory using multimodal neuroimaging methods including electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to probe and modulate brain networks related to cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation.

The study includes multiple related sub-studies involving healthy participants and participants with depression. Some study components focus on mechanistic modeling using non-therapeutic neurostimulation in healthy participants, while other components include interventional approaches such as individualized EEG-synchronized repetitive TMS (rTMS), cognitive tasks, and brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in participants with depression. Certain study components also evaluate CBT alone without TMS to assess behavioral intervention effects.

Being studied: Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; EEG-Synchronized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Cognitive Flexibility and Emotion Regulation Tasks

Conditions: Depression; Major Depressive Disorder; Suicidal Ideation

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Study 1 (Healthy Participants)

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 18-65 years
  • Medically and psychiatrically healthy with no history of psychiatric or neurological disorders
  • English-speaking
  • Capacity to provide informed consent
  • Willingness and ability to complete study procedures
  • Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria

  • Any current or past psychiatric diagnosis
  • Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease
  • History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold
  • Significant head injury or loss of consciousness
  • Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS
  • Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine)
  • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation
  • Inability to complete study procedures

Studies 2, 3, and 4 (Participants With Depression)

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 18-65 years
  • Current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Depression severity consistent with study criteria (e.g., HAM-D ≥17)
  • No history of psychotic or bipolar disorders
  • English-speaking
  • Capacity to provide informed consent
  • Willingness and ability to complete study procedures
  • Negative pregnancy test for participants of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria

  • Neurological disorders or history of central nervous system disease
  • History of seizure or epilepsy or use of medications that lower seizure threshold
  • Significant head injury or loss of consciousness
  • Implanted metal or contraindications to MRI or TMS
  • Substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine)
  • Current participation in another interventional clinical trial
  • Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during study participation
  • Any condition that would interfere with safe participation or completion of study procedures

Recruiting US locations

  • Medical Univeristy of South Carolina

    Charleston, SC 29425

    Site contact: Lisa M McTeague, PhD · 843-792-8274 · mcteague@musc.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Lisa McTeague, PhD · 843-792-8274 · MCTEAGUE@MUSC.EDU
  • Jayce Doose · recovers@musc.edu
All mental health studies in South Carolina →
RECOVERS - Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision… (NCT05977439) | Bored Studies