Non-invasive brain stimulation for suicidal ideation

Summary

We are testing a new treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth (18-65 years of age).

This study includes a 2-week treatment period. Participants will receive a therapy called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This is a treatment that is Health Canada approved for depression in adults, and some research has shown that it decreases suicidal thoughts. Typically, this treatment is delivered once daily for 4-6 weeks, however we will condense the treatment by delivering two treatments per day to 'accelerate' the treatment.

Here, we are trying to improve rTMS effectiveness by pairing it with a medication called cycloserine. Our research in adults suggests that this combination treatment is more effective than rTMS alone which is thought to be because cycloserine facilitates the brain's ability to respond to stimulation.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. 1) rTMS+cycloserine and 2) rTMS+placebo. We will assess changes in suicidal thoughts and other measures of suicide risk immediately after 2-weeks of treatment. We will also ask you to return to the clinic 1-month and 6-months later for follow-up visits.