e-PAT Neuromod Evaluation of Personalized rTMS for Resistant Depression

Validation of Individualized rTMS Protocol Using Non Invasive Functional Brain Imaging and Robotic Coil Placement in Resistant Depression: Comparison With Classical rTMS and tDCS

Although repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective therapy for resistant depression, it still fail to remit up to 70% of these patients. We hypothesize that personalizing the procedure using functional MRI to better select dysfunctional regions and robotic coil placement to stimulate these regions homogeneously, will increase its efficacy. Individualized rTMS will be compared to traditional rTMS procedure and to trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

In this small proof of principle study our primary outcome measure will be the correction of the MRI anomalies. Symptoms reduction and the proportion of remitters will be secondary outcome measurements.

Inclusion criteria:

• Aged from 18 to 65 Y
• Affiliated to the health insurance
• Having signed an informed consent
• Suffering from major depression according to the DSM5
• Unresponsive or incomplete remission after at least one trial of antidepressant (> 6 weeks at efficient dose or side effects)
• Treatment stable for > 6 weeks

Exclusion criteria:

• Contraindication for MRI, rTMS or tDCS: non-removable ferromagnetic body, prosthesis, pacemaker, medication delivered by an implanted pump clip or vascular stent, heart valve or ventricular shunt, seizure disorders, skin pathology in the region of tDCS electrode placement.
• Pregnancy
• Severe and non-stabilized somatic pathology
• Patients deprived of liberty or hospitalized without their consent