rTMS and Cognitive Training in Youth Depression

Youth depression is a highly prevalent disorder with tremendous personal and societal costs. Guideline supported treatments are limited in efficacy and associated with side effects. Novel, safe, and effective treatments are sorely needed. This study will examine the biological targets, and efficacy, of cognitive training in combination with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in non-medicated, depressed youth. If positive, the investigators will have identified an effective, safe, and acceptable alternative treatment for a population with few treatment options. Identifying biological mechanisms of response will ultimately enable clinicians to tailor individual interventions for depressed youth.

Youth depression affects roughly 10% of the North American population, effecting high costs to both individuals and society at large. Unfortunately, few effective treatments exist. Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with side effects, and possess marginal efficacy in this age group. Black box warnings persist for antidepressants used in those under 24, owing to concerns that these medications enhance suicidal ideation in this population. While guidelines and randomized controlled trials support the use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as a standalone or combination treatment for depressed youth, a large proportion of youth do not respond to either medication or psychotherapy.

The study investigators propose to examine the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in conjunction with cognitive training (CT) for depressed youth. rTMS delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a safe and FDA approved treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression, and preliminary studies suggest its safety, acceptability, and efficacy in depressed youth. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a new form of rTMS that can achieve antidepressant effects in a quarter of the time of conventional rTMS. TBS is also thought to enhance neural plasticity. In this study, all participants will receive daily (5x a week on weekdays) open-label TBS. In addition, half of the participants will receive computer-based CT designed to enhance executive function, while the other half will receive placebo CT. This approach may capitalize on rTMS-induced neural plasticity, while improving depression associated executive dysfunction.

Aim:

1. to investigate the efficacy of combination cognitive training and rTMS applied to the DLPFC in youth depression, and
2. to identify biological targets and predictors of response to combined CT and rTMS intervention in youth depression

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. outpatients
2. between the ages of 16 and 24
3. competent to consent to study participation
4. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) confirmed diagnosis of MDD single or recurrent
5. not taking any oral medication for depression or another psychiatric indication 1-week prior to screening visit
6. HRSD-17 score of 20 and higher, to be reviewed on a case by case basis by the study psychiatrists
7. at least one failed/refused/intolerant to antidepressant trial in the current episode as determined by ATHF
8. No safety concerns endorsed on TMS Screening and Information Form

Exclusion Criteria:

1. lifetime MINI diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, current psychotic symptoms, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, a history of epilepsy or any other major neurological disorder
2. diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, assessed on a case by case basis
3. at least 6 answers coded "yes" in both substance abuse and dependence sections combined, within the last 3 months as determined by MINI
4. concomitant major unstable medical illness
5. acutely suicidal or high risk for suicide as assessed by a study psychiatrist
6. not eligible to receive TMS or MRI as indicated by TMS Screening and Information Form
7. medications are considered a confound including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants and anticonvulsants, all to be reviewed on a case by case basis
8. have failed brain stimulation in the past
9. cannot be an expert musician