Personalized Neuromodulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

This trial aims to enhance a brain stimulation treatment called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers are testing whether customizing iTBS settings based on specific brain signals for each person is more effective than using uniform settings or a placebo treatment. Individuals with moderate-to-severe depression who have not found success with other treatments may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to more personalized and effective depression treatments.

You can either stay on your current antidepressant medication or be medication-free for at least 4 weeks before and during the study.

Research has shown that intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is generally well-tolerated by people with treatment-resistant depression. Studies have found that iTBS shares a safety profile with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), meaning its side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as mild headaches and discomfort at the stimulation site.

Researchers are excited about the use of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) for treatment-resistant depression because it offers a personalized approach that could be more effective than existing options like antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy. Unlike standard treatments, personalized iTBS tailors the stimulation parameters to each individual, potentially leading to better outcomes by targeting the unique brain activity patterns of each patient. Additionally, this method is non-invasive and could provide quicker relief from symptoms compared to traditional therapies, which often take weeks to show results. The use of a sham comparator and a non-personalized iTBS arm in the trial also helps researchers understand the added benefits of personalization.

Studies have shown that intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) effectively treats depression. Research indicates that iTBS can quickly improve symptoms, even in individuals unresponsive to other treatments. A review of studies found that iTBS works as well as high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). In this trial, participants may receive Personalized iTBS, which adjusts treatment based on individual brain responses to enhance effectiveness. Early findings suggest that customizing iTBS settings using brain signals could yield better results than standard methods. Other participants will receive Non-Personalized iTBS with standard parameters or Sham iTBS for comparison.³⁵⁶⁷⁸