NCT06274112

Using TMS to Understand Neural Processes of Social Motivation

Personalized Neuromodulation Targeting Dysregulated Motivational Responses Underlying Social Avoidance Behavior

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Auburn University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 25 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to better understand the neural circuits associated with social motivation. Participant includes four study visits each that range from 1.5 - 3.0 hours in duration over approximately a one month period. The first study visit involves answering survey questions, a clinical interview, and computer tasks. The second study visit involves a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computer tasks, and a brief TMS protocol. The second and third study visits involve a full session of TMS followed by an MRI scan and computer tasks. Adults in the Auburn/Opelika area and surrounding areas who avoid social situations, experience symptoms of depression or social anxiety, and are between 25 years old and 50 years old are eligible to participate.

Conditions

• Social Avoidant Behavior
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	TMS	TMS will be administered using a Cool B-65 coil to a personalized right dlPFC region.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-30
• Primary completion: 2029-07-31
• Completion: 2029-07-31
• First posted: 2024-02-23
• Last updated: 2026-03-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study