DBS of the Lateral Habenula in Treatment-Resistant Depression (NCT01798407)
A Clinical Pilot Study Examining Bilateral Inhibition of the Lateral Habenula as a Target for Deep Brain Stimulation in Intractable Depression
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This research study will investigate the safety, tolerability, and benefit of bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the lateral habenula in subjects with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) secondary to either nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD), or bipolar disorder (BD) I. Six adult subjects with TRD will be treated in this single-site study at Baylor College of Medicine; subjects will be chronically symptomatic with significant functional disability, and will have demonstrated resistance to standard somatic and pharmacotherapeutic treatments. The primary outcome measure will be the change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS\^17) six months after the commencement of stimulation.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, Texas
Age range: 21 Years to 70 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, Texas
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
Explore by condition: All Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.