Studying Brain and Symptom Changes During Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether brain and symptom networks, as well as TMS stimulation sites, can predict how patients with depressive syndrome respond to transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS treatment. This observational study focuses on patients receiving TMS as part of their usual psychiatric care without altering their treatment. The project also explores how symptoms change during TMS, identifying which symptoms respond first over time. Participants come from a related study where MRI data was collected. The study observes patients undergoing TMS treatment for depression over an average duration of 4 to 6 weeks. Assessments of symptoms are made before starting TMS and within a week after completing the treatment. No experimental interventions are given, as the treatment is part of standard care. Researchers monitor multiple symptom rating scales, including HAMD, MADRS, IDS-C, HAMA, YMRS, and BDI-II, to evaluate changes related to TMS therapy. Participants are asked to complete questionnaires and interviews in German and use internet-enabled devices for app-based assessments throughout the study. The main outcome is the change in depressive symptoms measured by the HAMD scale from before to after TMS treatment. Secondary measures include other symptom scales and patient and clinician expectations. The study runs from late 2025 until 2031, with continuous observation of symptom changes during and after TMS therapy.

Dynamic Network Response to TMS Treatment