Maitre-De aims to evaluate the effects of two active rTMS maintenance treatment approaches compared to sham maintenance rTMS on connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and subgenual cingulate cortex (SGC).

 

This double-blind, three-arm maintenance treatment trial will recruit 75 adult participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have responded to or remitted following an acute course of rTMS treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive standard maintenance rTMS, clustered maintenance rTMS, or sham maintenance rTMS over a 6-month period. We hypothesise that clustered maintenance rTMS will be superior in sustaining DLPFC-SGC connectivity and maintaining improvements in depressive symptoms compared with both standard and sham maintenance rTMS. Treatment outcomes will be evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) alongside clinical assessments.

 

By identifying the most effective maintenance treatment approach, Maitre-De has the potential to reduce relapse rates and improve long-term outcomes for individuals living with MDD.