Antidepressant effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation are associated with lower baseline regional gray matter volumes and surface areas in prefrontal cortex.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is an effective neuromodulation treatment for MDD, yet treatment response varies and its mechanisms remain unclear. Individual differences in cortical morphology in regions linked to depression may influence treatment outcomes.

Objective

To investigate whether baseline cortical morphology, specifically gray matter volumes (GMV), surface area (SA) and cortical thickness (CT) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), are predictive to clinical response to a validated iTBS treatment for MDD.

Methods

As part of the BRAEN-MAP trial, fifty-nine patients with MDD underwent daily iTBS sessions targeting t

SUBMITTER: Cavendish BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7618424 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature