Key result
Accelerated iTBS achieves ~50% remission vs sham in treatment-resistant depression within five days.
Why the study?
Although rTMS is an effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression, its standard delivery schedule is time intensive and clinical response typically occurs gradually.
Do accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) protocols improve clinical response in patients with treatment-resistant depression?
Do accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) protocols improve clinical response in patients with treatment-resistant depression?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Accelerated rTMS and iTBS protocols represent a time-efficient and clinically effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression, with particular promise for patients requiring rapid response such as those with acute suicidal ideation.
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Fitzgerald et al. (2026) conducted a review in treatment-resistant depression. accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) vs. standard rTMS or sham was evaluated on antidepressant response/remission rates (null). Accelerated iTBS protocols, such as the Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT), achieved remission rates up to 50% compared to 21% with sham in treatment-resistant depression within 5 days.
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