Efficacy of tDCS-primed iTBS in major depressive disorder: A randomized, sham-controlled trial with exploratory resting motor threshold analyses.
J Affect DisordSep 11, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Qin Qin, Yingying Zhao, Shibei Yang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) priming followed by intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in 76 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). While both groups showed high response rates (>70%), active tDCS did not significantly enhance depression reduction compared to sham (p > 0.05).
Key findings
- Both active and sham groups had response rates exceeding 70%.
- Active tDCS did not significantly reduce depression compared to sham (p > 0.05).
- Greater acute resting motor threshold change was associated with neurocognitive improvement in the active group (r = -0.385, P = 0.033).
Why it matters
Understanding the efficacy of combined neuromodulation techniques is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in major depressive disorder, particularly given the variability in individual responses to therapies.