Comparing Accelerated and Conventional Theta Burst Stimulation for Treating Depression in Adults 60 and Older

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of accelerated versus conventional theta burst stimulation TBS for treating moderate to severe late-life depression. This study aims to compare improvements in depressive symptoms by measuring changes in the Montgomery-sberg Depression Rating Scale MADRS scores. The research also explores whether specific patterns of brain stimulation lead to better results, with all participants receiving active TBS treatment either in an accelerated or conventional manner. Participants in the accelerated TBS group will receive five treatment sessions daily, spaced about an hour apart, for four consecutive days during the first week and two non-consecutive days in the second week. The conventional TBS group will undergo one treatment session daily for 30 days, typically over six weeks. Each treatment involves either continuous TBS on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex followed by intermittent TBS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or intermittent TBS on the left side alone. During the study, participants will attend treatment sessions and undergo assessments of depression severity at six weeks, with additional monitoring of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, cognitive functions, disability, and quality of life up to ten weeks. Researchers will also evaluate participants expectations and preferences before treatment. Safety is carefully monitored, and participants must adhere to the treatment schedule for the study duration, which lasts several weeks depending on their assigned group.

Accelerated vs. Conventional Theta Burst Stimulation for Late-life Depression