Purpose:
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a FDA-approved treatment for
depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The goal of the study is to learn how to
optimize the treatment to improve symptoms of depression and OCD. This research project will
test a new accelerated 5-day accelerated rTMS protocol for treating symptoms of depression
and OCD.
A second goal of this study is to identify biomarkers of depression and OCD in the brain
using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This approach will predict who will
benefit from TMS, determine the optimal treatment target, and improve treatment outcomes.
Subjects will receive a clinical assessment of symptoms and an fMRI brain scan before and
after each treatment course to measure the effect of treatment on symptom severity and on
fMRI measures of functional connectivity.
Participants will be randomized to receive rTMS targeting either the lateral prefrontal
cortex (LPFC) or the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). Participants will complete a
5-day course of rTMS delivered hourly for 10 hours per day. Participants who show a partial
response to treatment but not a full response will then receive a second 5-day course.
Treatment non-responders will be crossed over to receive rTMS targeting the opposite brain
area.
The primary hypothesis is that accelerated rTMS treatment will yield rapid improvement in
symptoms for patients with depression and OCD in just 5 days, and that response rates can be
further improved by adding a second 5-day treatment course.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of major depressive disorder OR obsessive-compulsive disorder (DSM-V
criteria)
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score greater than or equal to 18 OR Yale-Brown
Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score greater than or equal to 16
- Failure to respond in the current episode to at least one antidepressant or other
pharmacotherapy at an adequate dose and duration as measured by a modified
antidepressant treatment history
- Off antidepressants OR on a stable dose of antidepressants for greater than or equal
to four weeks with plans to remain on this stable dose during the study
- Capacity to consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Imminent risk of suicide (based on the CSSRS)
- Current depressive episode duration greater than or equal to 2 years
- Presence of primary psychiatric diagnoses other than OCD, MDD and/or co-morbid GAD
(ex. PTSD, MDD with psychotic features, primary psychotic illness, Bipolar I or II)
- Evidence of cognitive impairment (MMSE score falling 1 SD below mean score for his/her
age and education)
- Evidence of psychotic symptoms on diagnostic interview (interfering with capacity to
consent)
- Have met criteria for any significant substance use disorder within the past 6 months
- Recent onset (within 8 weeks of screening) of psychotherapy
- Prior exposure to any form of TMS during the current depressive episode
- Participated in any clinical trial with an investigational drug or device within the
past 6 weeks prior to screening
- Evidence or history of significant neurological disorder including moderate-severe
head trauma, stroke, Parkinson's disease or other movement disorder (except benign
essential tremor), epilepsy
- History of seizures (except juvenile febrile seizures) or any condition/concurrent
medication that could notably lower seizure threshold
- Presence of foreign metal bodies/implanted intracranial devices (MRI contraindication)
- Current pregnancy or planning to conceive during the study
- Abnormal bloodwork for electrolytes, thyroid or liver function