What is the study about?

The "BRIGhTMIND" study tested the effectiveness of a new approach to treat Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) using magnetic stimulation applied via the scalp.

Treatment resistant depression is depression that has not improved with at least two previous antidepressant treatments. The treatment tested, is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and has been recommended for use in the NHS in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for treatment resistant depression.

What is being tested in the study?

Randomised double-blind controlled trial of connectivity guided theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation versus repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment resistant moderate to severe depression: evaluation of efficacy, cost effectiveness and mechanism of action.

What are we trying to find out?

In the NHS, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a recommended therapy for treatment resistant depression (TRD - depression that has not improved with at least two different courses of treatment). It is suggested however that a more precise identification of target areas using connectivity guidance (cgiTBS) may improve the efficacy of rTMS treatments. In the BRIGhTMIND randomised controlled trial, the team measured and evaluated participant health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the costs of electromagnetic therapy, public healthcare expenditures and broader societal costs associated with both treatments (rTMS and cgiTBS) at baseline and at 16 and 26 weeks after they were randomised.

Funder

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - EME Programme 

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