Investigation of the Relationship Between Changes in Neurobiological Biomarkers After Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment and Treatment Response in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and disabling psychiatric condition, and many patients do not achieve adequate response to standard antidepressant treatments. Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a promising neuromodulation approach that may provide rapid antidepressant effects. This prospective interventional study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of accelerated bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex iTBS in patients with MDD and to investigate treatment-related changes in neurobiological biomarkers, including cortisol, ACTH, BDNF, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP. Associations between biomarker changes and treatment response will also be examined.
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
• Inadequate response to at least one adequate antidepressant treatment trial
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score ≥14 at baseline
• Stable dose of antidepressant medication for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry
• Ability to provide written informed consent