Bilateral Theta-Burst Stimulation of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Regions for Late-Life Depression: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Leandro da Costa Lane Valiengo, Bianca Silva Pinto, Matthias Luethi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This triple-blind, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial assessed bilateral theta-burst stimulation (TBS) for moderate to severe major depressive disorder in adults aged 60 and older who were not taking antidepressants. Among 108 participants, active TBS did not significantly outperform sham on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) reduction at week 6. At week 12, active TBS was associated with a significantly greater reduction than sham (mean difference, -1.89, 95% CI=-3.75, -0.03); response rates were 52% with active TBS and 33% with sham.
Key findings
- At week 6, the between-group mean HAM-D reduction difference was -1.65 (95% CI=-3.38, 0.08), not statistically significant.
- At week 12, active TBS showed a greater HAM-D reduction than sham (mean difference, -1.89, 95% CI=-3.75, -0.03).
- Response rates by week 12 were 52% in the active TBS group and 33% in the sham group.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that bilateral TBS may reduce depressive symptoms in older adults, although the advantage over sham was not statistically significant at the primary week-6 assessment and emerged by week 12. This timing is relevant when interpreting treatment response and highlights the need to consider outcomes beyond the initial treatment period.
What to keep in mind
The week-6 between-group difference was not statistically significant, and the abstract reports a significant advantage only by week 12.