Identifying Brain Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder and Monitoring Response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying Major Depressive Disorder MDD to identify biomarkers that can help diagnose the condition and predict how patients respond to treatment. This study uses multimodal imaging and electrophysiological methods to monitor changes during a course of transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS therapy. The goal is to find reliable measures that can improve clinical care and personalize treatment for depression. Participants will undergo initial screening and baseline assessments including resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging DTI, and electroencephalography EEG scans before starting TMS. They will receive 30 to 40 daily sessions of repetitive TMS rTMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with scans repeated midway and after treatment to observe changes. Treatment parameters are set by TMS providers, typically involving 10 Hz stimulation at 120% motor threshold. During the study, participants will be closely monitored with clinical evaluations and imaging scans before, during, and after the approximately 8-week treatment period. Outcomes measured include changes in depression severity using the MADRS scale, brain activity and structure from imaging and EEG, and other depression and anxiety rating scales. Safety and treatment response will be tracked throughout to understand the neural effects of TMS and improve future care.

Biomarkers of Depression and Treatment Response