Sham-Controlled Rapid-Acting Neuromodulation for Depression

The goal of this study is to learn whether 5 days of accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a rapid form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, works to treat depression in adults.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does accelerated iTBS reduce depressive symptoms compared to sham (placebo) stimulation?
• Are there measurable brain, biological, and digitally measured emotion changes associated with treatment response?

Participants will:

• Be randomly assigned to receive either active iTBS or sham stimulation
• Receive 10 stimulation sessions per day for 5 consecutive days (total of 50 sessions)
• Complete MRI brain scans and EEG recordings before and after treatment
• Provide blood and saliva samples to measure biological markers
• Complete depression rating scales and questionnaires at baseline, during treatment, and at follow-up visits
• Use a secure mobile app to record brief facial and vocal samples during the 5-day treatment and at follow-up visits
• Return for follow-up visits at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment