pBFS-Guided rTMS Therapy Over Different Targets for Treatment-Resistant Depression

To explore the effectiveness and safety of rTMS intervention with different targets in the left prefrontal cortex defined using the pBFS method, in adult patients with moderate and severe depressive disorder. Second, investigate the neural circuit that responds to the rTMS intervention using individualized brain image analysis, which may help to establish an effective target for the neuromodulation of patients with major depressive disorder.

Stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) as target sites for rTMS intervention in depressive disorders has shown some therapeutic efficacy. However, overall patient response rates remain suboptimal, partly because the prefrontal cortex is a large region encompassing multiple functional networks. Analyses suggest that targeting different targets within the dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex for intervention in depressive disorder patients may activate distinct functional networks. Therefore, selecting appropriate targets within the prefrontal cortex that accurately modulate the functional networks involved in depressive disorder patients is crucial for achieving effective clinical outcomes. Fox et al. have demonstrated that clinical response and individualized target sites in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are associated with functional connectivity to the subgenual cingulate cortex (sgACC). However, some analyses have indicated that rTMS target sites based solely on minimal sgACC connectivity may not be optimal for all depressive symptoms. Therefore, identifying individualized stimulation targets that improve core symptoms in depressed patients is important for achieving more effective personalized treatment of depressive disorders. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of rTMS interventions targeting 40 prefrontal cortex sites in depressive disorder patients and functional imaging-based mechanisms for optimal stimulation targets.

After being informed about the study and potential risks. All patients giving written informed consent will undergo a screening period to determine eligibility for study entry. At week 0, patients who meet the eligibility requirements will be assigned a random intervention target from 40 prefrontal cortex sites. Then all participants will undergo a 14-day rTMS modulation and a week follow-up visit. Participants will keep a stable treatment regime during treatment and follow-up.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Meet the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) for depression disorder without psychotic symptoms, and currently experiencing a recurrence episode.
* Total HAMD17 score ≥20 and total MADRS score ≥20 before randomization.
* Hospitalized/outpatient patients aged 18-65 years (inclusive), male or female.
* Inadequate response to at least one antidepressant trial of adequate doses and duration.
* A stable antidepressant regimen for at least 4 weeks at a dose not lower than the prescribed range of drug use before randomization.
* The Maudsley Staging Method (MSM) is used to assess patients as having at least a moderate level of treatment-resistant condition (MSM score ≥ 7 points).
* Voluntarily participate in the trial and sign informed consent. Able to comply with the planned visit, examination and treatment plan, and other study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for other mental disorders (such as schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar and related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, neurocognitive disorders, or depressive disorders due to substances and/or medications, depressive disorders due to other medical problems, etc.);
* Patients with a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or other metal foreign body and any electronic equipment implanted in the body, patients with claustrophobia and other contraindications to magnetic resonance scanning, and patients with contraindications to rTMS treatment;
* History of epilepsy (presence of at least 2 uninduced seizures more than 24 hours apart, or diagnosis of the epileptic syndrome, or seizures within the past 12 months); Or currently received medications or other treatments that will lower the seizure threshold;
* History of ECT, rTMS, and light therapy within 3 months;
* Patients with serious heart, liver, kidney diseases, diabetes and other serious physical diseases, causing symptoms and signs of brain abnormalities, or body failure;
* Patients with organic brain diseases (such as ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor, etc.) and a history of severe brain trauma as judged by the researcher;
* Female of childbearing potential who plans to become pregnant during the trial.
* Female that is pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Substance abuse or dependence (including alcohol, drugs, and other psychoactive substances) in the past 1 year;
* First-degree relatives have bipolar affective disorder.
* There is a significant risk of suicide (MADRS item 10 ≥ 5).
* Difficulty or inability to engage in normal communication, understand or follow instructions, and cooperate with treatment and evaluators.
* Currently participating in clinical trials of other drugs or physical therapy (e.g. deep brain stimulation (DBS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS).
* Investigators think that was inappropriate to participate.