Modalis is proud to be contributing to the scientific advancements of the TMS field through our ongoing collaborations with The University of Western Australia and The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science.
We are currently hosting a number of research studies at our clinics. Please see below for the projects that are currently recruiting participants.
If you are interested in participating in any of these studies or would simply like more information on what they involve, please contact the research team at tms@perron.uwa.edu.au or ask one of our friendly Modalis staff.
Youth TMS Study
The Youth TMS Study is investigating a better understanding of the effects of TMS on the brains of young adults and adolescents. People who are aged 15 – 24 years old, are diagnosed with depression, and have not had TMS before may be eligible to participate.
Participation in the study involves receiving a standard protocol of TMS (as a treatment for depression) at our Modalis Stirling clinic, plus attending three sessions at Perron where you will have an MRI and complete some computer tasks and questionnaires. All out-of-pocket MRI and TMS treatment costs will be covered by the Perron Institute in reimbursement for your time and participation.
By conducting this study, the goal is to contribute knowledge towards further personalising TMS treatment based on each person’s individual brain activity to improve response as well as establish TMS’s place as a treatment option for depression in youth in Australia.
Download the Youth TMS Study information flyer here
Pharmacogenetics Study
What Does Your DNA Say About the Medication You Are Taking?
Researchers from the Perron Institute, UWA, Murdoch University, and Notre Dame Fremantle are collaborating with Modalis to evaluate the use of pharmacogenetics (PGx) in the treatment of youth depression and anxiety.
By evaluating an individual’s genetic variability in the genes responsible for drug metabolism, pharmacogenetic testing has been suggested to improve patient outcomes by personalising antidepressant prescription and dose. Together, the Perron Institute and Modalis are interested in evaluating the capabilities of pharmacogenetic testing to predict medication resistance in depression, and streamlining those patients onto alternative treatments (such as TMS) sooner.
People who are aged 15 – 24 years old and are diagnosed with depression may be eligible to participate.
Participation in the study involves simply answering a few questions about your antidepressant medication history, and providing a quick saliva sample using one of our free DNA testing kits. You can then also receive your individual DNA results from our Modalis team.
Download the Pharmacogenetics Study information flyer here
SPARRC Study
Researchers from Perron Institute & UWA are currently recruiting participants for their study investigating brain processes involved in depression and cognition in youth populations using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
People who are aged 18 – 25 years old and are diagnosed with depression may be eligible to participate. Those who have had (or are about to have) TMS therapy may be eligible to participate, as well as those who have not had TMS before and are currently only using antidepressant medications for treating their depression.
Participation in the study involves attending either one or three sessions at the Perron Institute where you will have an MRI and complete a computer tasks and some questionnaires.
Download the SPARRC Study information flyer here
