Participate in our Research Studies

Individualized (fMRI-Guided) TMS Treatment for Depression

The purpose of this study is to investigate brain responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in individuals diagnosed with depression. To achieve this, we will combine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques with TMS to explore the relationship between activity in a specific brain region and TMS stimulation before, during, and after a full TMS treatment intervention.

Study participation will include completing various questionnaires, clinical assessments, receiving a full transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment intervention (every weekday for 6 weeks), and undergoing MRI scans, both with and without concurrent TMS. In-person participation will last for approximately 10 weeks, but there may be possible delays (~2-3 weeks) due to scheduling availability, MRI scanner availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. In addition, participants will be asked to complete remote follow-up assessments at 1, 6, and 12 months post-TMS treatment.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Hasti Khalilkhani at Hasti.Khalilkhani@PennMedicine.upenn.edu or 215-573-6302.

For detailed information about the study, please visit:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06266390

Patient testimonial from the above rTMS treatment study:

"I am so grateful to have participated in the TMS clinical trial with the Oathes Lab. Before the study, I felt hopeless - after trying countless treatments for my depression, nothing seemed to help. But the Oathes Lab team was kind, culturally attuned, and knowledgeable. They took time to explain the non-invasive TMS treatment and made me feel safe and supported every step of the way. The treatment itself was surprisingly effective. By the end of the 6-week study, I experienced significant improvement in both my depression and anxiety symptoms. Even months later, I continue to feel better, doing things I never thought possible and even finding joy in them! If you, too, are struggling with depression, don’t give up. There is real hope, and this could be the step that changes everything."

"My name is XXX.  I am a XX year-old male from XX county that was diagnosed with depression in my early 20's.  I have probably always had depression.  Conventional SSRIs gave me little relief from my symptoms and my depression was labeled treatment resistant.  

This study required me to travel all the way into University City everyday after work Monday-Friday.  It took me about an hour and a half to get to and from Penn, but let me tell you it was so worth it.  It cost me only $5 a day to travel.  This treatment was painless for me.  More remarkably, I felt a difference at the end of the first week.  I could actually feel my depression lifting slightly.  This was amazing.  It took 5 weeks the first time I had TMS and about 4 weeks the second time.  This time TMS was working much faster.  By the end of my 6th week, my depression was pretty much in remission.

TMS isn't cheap.  Even with good medical insurance, I still paid over $1400 in co-pays to get TMS at a clinic.  Participation in the study at Penn was completely free.  They didn't even attempt to bill my insurance.  On top of that, I was provided a stipend for my participation.  So I got free treatment, treatment that was more effective than other TMS treatments, a stipend, and I get to be a part of advancing research that can help countless people. I am back to enjoying life again.  My performance at work is much improved and honestly my performance had suffered greatly due to my depression.  If you have depression, I urge you to give genuine consideration to participating in this very important research.  It may benefit you greatly and you would be helping to move science forward in the treatment of depression."