Neural Circuit Biomarkers of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is becoming a gold standard treatment for pharmacoresistant depression, we lack neural target biomarkers for identifying who is most likely to respond to TMS and why. To address this gap in knowledge this observational study evaluates neural targets defined by activation and functional connectivity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-anchored cognitive control circuit, regions of the default mode network and attention circuit, and interactions with the subgenual anterior cingulate.

The study evaluates whether these targets and interactions between them change in a dose-dependent manner, whether changes in these neural targets correspond to changes in cognitive behavioral performance, and whether baseline and early change in neural target and cognitive behavioral performance predict subsequent symptom severity, suicidality, and quality of life outcomes.

This study is designed as a pragmatic, mechanistic observational trial partnering with the National Clinical TMS Program of the Veteran's Health Administration.

All veterans will receive a clinical course of TMS as part of their routine care. Those who agree to enrollment in the observational study will be assessed at 'baseline' prior to commencement of their TMS treatment, 'first week' after initiation of TMS (targeting five sessions) and 'post-treatment' at the completion of TMS (targeting 30 sessions).

Veterans will be assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a cognitive behavioral performance battery, and established questionnaires.

To our knowledge, our study will be the first pragmatic, mechanistic observational trial to use fMRI imaging and cognitive-behavioral performance as biomarkers of TMS treatment response in pharmacoresistant MDD.

Inclusion criteria

• Ages 18 years and older
• Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual edition 5 (DSM-5) criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (as documented by the treating physician)
• Meet study criteria for pharmacoresistance in accordance with the Clinical transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Program (i.e. failed at least one antidepressant in the current episode)
• Ability to obtain a motor threshold (MT) prior to the start of treatment
• Stable medical conditions and ability to maintain stability on current medication regimen for the duration of treatment
• Ability to participate in a daily treatment regimen
• Able to read, verbalize understanding, and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent Form prior to participating in any study-specific procedures or assessments

Exclusion criteria

• History of seizure disorder
• Structural or neurologic abnormalities present or in close proximity to the treatment site
• History of brain surgery
• Pacemaker or medical infusion device (unless magnetic resonance imaging compatible)
• History of traumatic brain injury within 60 days of the start of treatment
• Severe or uncontrolled alcohol or substance use disorders
• Active withdrawal from alcohol or substances
• Implanted device in the head
• Metal in the head
• Severe impediment to vision, hearing and/or hand movement, likely to interfere with ability to complete the assessments, or unable and/or unlikely to follow the study protocols
• Lifetime history of bipolar I disorder
• Inability to speak, read or understand English
• Plans to move out of the area during the study period
• Clinician and/or Investigator discretion for clinical safety or protocol adherence