New insights into precision medicine and target engagement in neuromodulation depression treatments

In depression treatment there is a clear need for novel treatments, biomarkers and personalized treatment approaches. This symposium addresses rTMS in the treatment of depression and specifically focusses on target engagement principles of these treatments and the ability to individualise treatments. Topics covered include:– a new method to quantify the DLPFC-sgACC-vagal nerve pathway as a measure of target engagement of rTMS in the treatment of depression that can also be used to individualise rTMS stimulation locations by specifically looking at heart rate decelaration (Neuro-Cardiac-Guided TMS);– baseline clinical and EEG measures that dissociate rTMS responders and non-responders, using a strict discovery-replication approach;– Accelerated Theta Burst Stimulation and effects on depressive symptoms and suicide ideation with insights from brain perfusion and functional connectivity.