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RECOVERS Study for Depression and Suicidal Ideation

This study, called RECOVERS, is looking into how brain activity changes in people with depression and suicidal thoughts. Researchers are using different brain scanning methods like EEG (electroencephalography), fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), and fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) to understand how the brain processes emotions, attention, and memory. They are also using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a device that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, to explore and adjust brain networks involved in how we think flexibly and manage emotions. The goal is to see if targeting these brain networks with individualized neurostimulation can improve symptoms of depression and reduce suicidal thoughts. The study plans to enroll 120 participants aged 18 to 65 years. This particular part of the study (Study 1) is for healthy participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 120 participants. It includes multiple related sub-studies, with Study 1 focusing on healthy participants.
What's involved
You would undergo single-pulse TMS during EEG or neuroimaging, EEG-synchronized rTMS, and participate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). You would also complete tasks designed to assess cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your depression and suicide cognition scores will be measured from baseline to Day 7.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05977439

RECOVERS - Realigning Emotion and COgnition Via prEcision Regulation networkS

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
Medical University of South Carolina
~120 participants
Updated 2026-07-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic StimulationEEG-Synchronized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Flexibility and Emotion Regulation Tasks

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) Score
Measured over Baseline to Day 7
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Depression
Major Depressive Disorder
Suicidal Ideation

Explore related trials

Unipolar Depression

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
South Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Lisa McTeague, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Medical University of South Carolina

Who to contact

Lisa McTeague, PhD
[email protected]
843-792-8274
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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
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

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
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

What this trial measures

  • Change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) ScoreBaseline to Day 7

    hange in clinician-rated depression severity measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Scores range from 0 to 52; higher scores indicate more severe depression.

  • Change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) ScoreBaseline to Day 7

    Change in self-reported depression severity measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Scores range from 0 to 27; higher scores indicate more severe depression.

  • Change in Suicide Cognitions (Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale [B-SCS])Baseline to Day 7

    Change in suicide-related cognitions measured using the Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale (B-SCS). Higher scores indicate greater severity of maladaptive suicide-related cognitions.