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Using TMS to Understand Neural Processes of Social Motivation

Personalized Neuromodulation Targeting Dysregulated Motivational Responses Underlying Social Avoidance Behavior

Who can join

Ages 25 to 50 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder OR a diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder (assessed/confirmed at screening visit).
* Scoring above clinical threshold on a measure of social avoidant behavior (assessed/confirmed at phone screen).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable psychotropic medication regimen (i.e., changes in psychotropic medication or dosage in past 3 months).
* Current or lifetime diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
* A diagnosis of substance use disorder within past 12 months.
* A diagnosis of psychotic-spectrum disorder such as Schizophrenia.
* Pregnancy or probable pregnancy.
* Medical illness or medical treatment that would preclude or inhibit study participation.
* Neurological disorder associated with brain damage.
* History of seizures or head trauma with loss of consciousness \> 5 minutes.
* Family history of epilepsy or personal epilepsy/seizures
* Ferromagnetic implants or ferrmagnetic objects within body (e.g., pacemaker).

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• TMS (device)

Sponsor: Auburn University · Participants: 40 · Started: Sep 30, 2025

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06274112

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.