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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
Effects of right prefrontal theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation
Claire Kos1, Leonie Bais2, Nicky Klaasen3
1Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 196, 9700 AD, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, Groningen 9713 AW, The Netherlands; ZorgfocuZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Apathy is a core negative symptom associated with an unfavorable functional outcome. Noninvasive brain stimulation has shown promise in the treatment of schizophrenia but has not been tested specifically for apathy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of intermittent theta-burst (iTBS) transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeted at the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder suffering from apathy. The study was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, and rater-blinded trial. Patients (N = 88) were randomized into active iTBS, active tDCS, sham iTBS or sham tDCS treatment, daily for two weeks (excluding weekends). Effects were measured post-treatment and at four week and ten week follow-up. Primary outcome was apathy severity (Apathy Evaluation Scale, clinician-rated). Additional measures included assessment of negative symptoms, depression, anhedonia and quality of life. No significant difference in improvement of apathy or negative symptoms was observed for real versus sham treatment with either iTBS or tDCS, though all groups improved to a small extent. We conclude that two weeks of brain stimulation over the right DLPFC with either iTBS or tDCS is not effective for improving apathy or negative symptoms. Longer and more intensive protocols may yield different results.
