Overview

NINET is recruiting healthy volunteers for a control or comparison group in our research study on rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) for depression. We will be collecting information on participants’ psychiatric history, cognitive testing, as well as brain scans. Note: Healthy control participants will not receive treatment of any kind.

Why are we doing this study?

Data collected from this group of healthy volunteers will be compared to data collected from our other group of patients living with depression.  This might help us characterize differences between the two groups, and we hope that the information learned from this study can be used to benefit those living with depression and other related mental illnesses in the future.

Who is conducting the study?

This study is being conducted by Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez and the NINET Lab.

What happens in this study?

This study involves a maximum of 8.5 hours across three visits at the UBC Hospital. The first visit is approximately 1 hour and will involve questionnaires and cognitive testing. The second visit is about 3 hours and will involve two different kinds of brain scans, an MRI and an EEG. In addition there is a third follow-up visit which happens 18 weeks after the first set of scans; this visit it 4 hours and will involve the same set of scans and cognitive tests.

Who can participate?

You may be able to participate if:

• You are between 19-65 years of age
• You are in good health
• You have no history of psychiatric illness
• You are willing to complete brain scans and psychological tests

Please note that you must not currently be using any recreational and/or non-prescription drugs or have a drinking problem. Participants will be matched to our patient group by demographics.

How to enroll or more details:

Please contact Chris Pang at 604-822-7308; ninet.researchstudy@gmail.com