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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
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Individualized rTMS Treatment for Depression using an fMRI-Based Targeting Method
Published on: August 2, 2021
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Personalising transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression using neuroimaging: A systematic review
Anish Modak1,2, Paul B Fitzgerald2
1Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.
Summary
Personalizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with neuroimaging may improve depression treatment efficacy. Further research is needed to compare personalized TMS directly with standard TMS and optimize treatment parameters.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an established depression treatment.
- Current TMS response rates are suboptimal, indicating a need for improved efficacy.
- Individual patient differences in anatomy and brain activity influence treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and critically appraise literature on neuroimaging-guided personalized TMS for depression.
- To evaluate the potential of personalized TMS to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases up to November 2020.
- Included studies involved patients with depression receiving neuroimaging-personalized TMS.
- Data were extracted on neuroimaging techniques used (structural, functional, EEG) and comparison with standard TMS.
Main Results:
- 37 studies involving 1451 patients were reviewed.
- Most studies (n=30) used structural or functional neuroimaging for target personalization via neuronavigation.
- Fewer studies (n=7) utilized electroencephalography for frequency or timing personalization.
- Only 6 studies directly compared personalized TMS to standard TMS.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging-personalized TMS shows potential for increased effectiveness in treating depression compared to standard TMS.
- Further research is essential to directly compare personalized TMS with standard TMS.
- Identifying optimal parameters for personalized TMS treatment is a key area for future investigation.
