Novel method for identification of individualized resonant frequencies for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): A proof-of-concept study

BackgroundRepetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), but therapeutic benefit highly variable. Clinical improvement related to changes in brain circuits, which have preferred resonant frequencies (RFs) and vary across individuals.ObjectiveWe developed a novel rTMS-electroencephalography (rTMS-EEG) interrogation paradigm identify RFs using the association of power/connectivity measures with symptom severity outcome.Methods35 subjects underwent rTMS at 71 ranging from 3 17 Hz administered left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). rTMS-EEG was used assess resonance oscillatory (phase coherence [PC], envelope correlation [EC], spectral coefficient [SCC]) after each frequency. Multiple regression detect relationships between 10 baseline symptoms as well clinical sessions treatment.ResultsBaseline significantly associated SCC sensorimotor (SM; p < 0.0004), PC fronto-parietal (p = 0.001), EC centro-posterior channels 0.002). Subjects improved treatment. Only decreased SM (r 0.35, 0.04). whom ranked RF among all stimulation had better outcomes treatment.ConclusionsResonance measured correlated both Research should determine whether this can individualized frequencies.