Clinical Research Study: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy

Study Overview

rtmsThis study aims to examine an investigational magnetic device in women with depression (major depressive disorder) during pregnancy. There will be phone screen followed by an initial visit with the Principal Investigator (Dr. Kim). If the subject qualifies and is enrolled in the study, treatment will consist of 4 weeks of 10 minute treatment sessions.  There will be an additional 10 minutes of screening tools administered. Blood work will be checked twice.  Fetal ultrasounds and fetal monitoring will be done 2–3 times throughout the study. Treatment is free but there is no reimbursement for participating. Subjects will be followed until 6 weeks postpartum.

Clinical Team/Investigators

Principal Investigator
Deborah Kim, M.D.

Co-Investigators 
Juan Gonzalez, M.D.
Karl Rickels, M.D.

Criteria for Participation

Pregnant women who are:

  1. 18 - 34 years old 
  2. 14 - 34 weeks pregnant
  3. Are suffering from major depressive disorder (clinical depression) 

Exclusion criteria

  1. Recent drug or alcohol use
  2. History of seizures
  3. Currently on antidepressants
  4. Prior pregnancy with complications such as pre-term delivery of congenital malformations

For more information or to schedule a phone screen, please contact Deborah Kim, MD at 215-662-2815.

Click here to learn more about Mood Disorders treatment offered in the Department of Psychiatry at Penn.


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