DIRECT-TMS: Research into combination treatment with rTMS for depression

Background

While rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression, not every patient responds fully.
Combining rTMS with a cognitive control task (CCT) will investigate whether simultaneous brain and cognitive stimulation can enhance the effect and increase recovery chances.

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Aim of the research:

The Direct-TMS project investigates whether rTMS in combination with CCT is more effective and cost-effective than rTMS with a placebo task in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

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Study design:

• Type of study: multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial
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• Treatment duration: 8 weeks (30 sessions), with follow-up up to 12 months
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• Participants: 132 adults with treatment-resistant depression
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• Centres: Radboudumc, Amsterdam UMC, MUMC+, UZ Brussel, KU Leuven, Liège and BRAI3N Ghent
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• Treatment: rTMS on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex combined with a cognitive control task or a placebo task

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Expected impact

The combination of rTMS with cognitive training can lead to faster and more sustainable improvement of depressive symptoms while maintaining safety and feasibility.

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What does the research look like?

The treatment consists of one of the following two options: rTMS in combination with CCT: During rTMS treatment, you perform a cognitive control task. rTMS in combination with a placebo task: During rTMS treatment, you perform a placebo task. In both cases, the treatment lasts 8 weeks. In the first 6 weeks, you will receive 4 sessions per week, followed by 3 sessions per week in the last 2 weeks. Each stimulation session lasts approximately half an hour. At several times before, during and after the treatment, your mood and other factors are monitored via questionnaires.

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Pourquoi participate?

You will receive intensive treatment for your depressive symptoms. This treatment is part of scientific research and includes both standard therapy for depression and complementary treatment. By participating in this study, you contribute to a better understanding of the treatment of depression with rTMS. This knowledge can help us treat people with depressive symptoms even more effectively in the future.

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Website study: DIRECT-TMS: Scientific research into rTMS treatment for depression | DIRECT-TMS