Target engagement in a head-to-head clinical trial of dysphoric versus anxiosomatic transcranial magnetic stimulation targets.
Samantha Baldi, Christopher Lin, Jing Li et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on patients with depression and anxiety, comparing two targets: dorsolateral prefrontal for dysphoric symptoms and dorsomedial prefrontal for anxiosomatic symptoms. While connectivity decreased in both circuits, stronger baseline connectivity predicted greater change and anxiety improvement (r = 0.47, p = 0.004), particularly in the anxiosomatic group.
Key findings
- Connectivity decreased within both circuits, but not in a target-specific manner.
- Stronger baseline TMS site connectivity predicted greater connectivity change (r = -0.61, p < 0.001).
- Baseline connectivity also correlated with anxiety improvement (r = 0.47, p = 0.004).
- Negative findings in the dysphoric group may indicate greater variability in circuit topography.
Why it matters
Understanding the neural engagement of TMS and its relationship with symptom improvement can inform treatment protocols for depression and anxiety, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes by considering individual circuit architecture.