This study investigates how brains change as a result of a treatment for depression called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). People who receive rTMS will have pictures of their brains and brain activity taken by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner before and after their treatment, as well as up to three times during the six-week treatment course. These images will be examined to see if the rTMS is placed correctly to help treat their symptoms, and what changes in brain activity are happening during the rTMS treatment
Veteran patients can be referred to receive a Neuromodulation Clinic consult at the Providence VA Medical Center (PVAMC). Following this consultation, patients who are to begin rTMS therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) will be recruited to participate in this study. About 1 week prior to the scheduled beginning of rTMS therapy, research participants who provide informed consent will complete baseline neuropsychological measures. Within a few days of completing these measures, and before beginning rTMS therapy, participants will receive an MRI scan, including structural and functional imaging. Participants will have a similar set of MRI scans up to three times during the course of rTMS therapy, and complete neuropsychological measures at these scanning sessions. A final MRI scan will be conducted within a week of completing the rTMS therapy course, and neuropsychological measures will be completed at this session.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
42
Clinical transcranial magnetic stimulation administered as part of usual care for the study population
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, California, United States
Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Distance between treatment location and brain target
A marker visible on MRI will be placed on the treatment location for the MRI scan after treatment completion. Functional MRI will be used to localize the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the brain region targeted by rTMS. The distance between these two points will be calculated for each participant.
Time frame: Within one week of the conclusion of clinical rTMS therapy course
World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 36-item version
Scores from the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 36-item version (WHODAS-36). Self-assessment of global functioning, with scores ranging from 0 (no disability) to 100 (full disability).
Time frame: Within one week before beginning clinical rTMS therapy course, 3 times during the clinical rTMS therapy course (typically 6 weeks), and within one week after the conclusion of clinical rTMS therapy course
Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self-Report
Scores from the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self-Report (IDS-SR). A 30-item self-assessment of depressive symptoms with scores ranging from 0 (no depressive symptoms) to 90 (severe depression).
Time frame: Within one week before beginning clinical rTMS therapy course, 3 times during the clinical rTMS therapy course (typically 6 weeks), and within one week after the conclusion of clinical rTMS therapy course
Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item
Scores from the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item version (PHQ-9). A self-assessment of depressive symptoms with scores ranging from 0 (no depressive symptoms) to 27 (severe depression).
Time frame: Within one week before beginning the clinical rTMS therapy course, and weekly during the clinical rTMS therapy course (typically 6 weeks), including the last day of treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Scores from the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). A self-assessment of PTSD symptoms with scores ranging from 0 (no PTSD symptoms) to 80 (severe PTSD symptoms)
Time frame: Within one week before beginning the clinical rTMS therapy course, and weekly during the clinical rTMS therapy course (typically 6 weeks), including the last day of treatment
Veteran's RAND 36-item
Scores from the Veteran's RAND 36-item (VR-36). Assessment of self-reported health quality of life. Includes physical and mental component normed subscores (x=50, sd=10) ranging from 0 (worst health) to 100 (best health).
Time frame: Within one week before beginning clinical rTMS therapy course, 3 times during the clinical rTMS therapy course (typically 6 weeks), and within one week after the conclusion of clinical rTMS therapy course