Associations between frontal lobe activity and depressive symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder receiving rTMS treatment: a near-infrared spectroscopy study

Introduction The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have been proved to antidepressant effects. However, absence biomarkers assess treatment response remains a challenge. This research aims explore relationship between frontal lobe activity, measured using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and changes symptoms among MDD following rTMS treatment. Methods A total 26 underwent 20 sessions 10 Hz targeting DLPFC. NIRS was used measure activity during verbal fluency test at baseline, after sessions, sessions. Responders were defined as individuals more than 50% reduction based 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Results Among 14 responders, an increase significantly correlated improvements ( p = 0.0001) 0.007). Additionally, associated symptom improvement 0.001). These associations not observed non-responders. Conclusion findings from this study indicate distinct patterns responders non-responders treatment, suggesting that has potential serve biomarker for monitoring undergoing rTMS.