Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Section 4. Neurostimulation Treatments

The place of non-invasive brain stimulation in the RANZCP clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders

Clinical practice guidelines are important documents as they have the capacity to significantly influence and shape clinical practice in important areas of therapeutics. As such, they need to be developed informed by comprehensive and quality-based systematic reviews, involve consensus deliberations representative of the appropriate experts in the field and be subject to thorough critical review. A revised clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with mood disorders was recently published under the auspices of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. However, this clinical practice guideline was not developed in a manner that reflects the appropriate standards that should apply to clinical practice guideline development and it has critical flaws, especially as it pertains to the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for patients with depression. The revision of the college clinical practice guideline has explicitly removed clear and unequivocal evidence-based recommendations that were found in a previous version of the clinical practice guideline and replaced these with consensus-based recommendations. However, the consensus-based recommendations were developed without consultation of the appropriate expert body within the college and contradict the scientific literature. There is substantive and unequivocal evidence supporting the antidepressant use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of patients with depression and its use after a patient with depression has failed a limited number (typically around two) of antidepressant medication trials. Readers should refer to the college Professional Practice Guidelines for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation published in 2018 for thorough information about the use of this important new treatment.

Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation in children and young people with psychiatric disorders: a protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Most psychiatric disorders have their onset in childhood or adolescence, and if not fully treated have the potential for causing life-long psycho-social and physical sequelae. Effective psychotherapeutic and medication treatments exist, but a significant proportion of children and young people do not make a full recovery. Thus, novel, safe, brain-based alternatives or adjuncts to conventional treatments are needed. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques which have shown clinical benefits in adult psychiatric conditions. However, in children and young people their efficacy is not well established. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the evidence on clinical effects of NIBS in children and young people with psychiatric disorders, assessing disorder-specific symptoms, mood and neurocognitive functions.

METHODS

We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review. We will include randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and observational studies (e.g. cohort, case-control, case series) assessing the effects of NIBS in children and young people (aged ≤ 24 years old) for psychiatric disorders. The primary outcome will be reduction of disorder-specific symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include effects on mood and cognition. A comprehensive search from database inception onwards will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Grey literature will be identified through searching multiple clinical trial registries. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles and abstract data. The methodological quality of the studies will be appraised using appropriate tools. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the evidence and according to heterogeneity will conduct an appropriate meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review will provide a broad and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence on clinical effects of NIBS in children and young people with psychiatric disorders. Our findings will be reported according to the PRISMA guidelines and will be of interest to multiple audiences (including patients, researchers, healthcare professionals and policy-makers). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42019158957.

Association of Central Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Interventions With Efficacy and Safety in Tinnitus Management: A Meta-analysis

Importance

Tinnitus has a prevalence of 10% to 25% and is frequently associated with numerous complications, such as neuropsychiatric disease. Traditional treatments have failed to meet the needs of patients with tinnitus. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can focally modify cortical functioning and has been proposed as a strategy for reducing tinnitus severity. However, the results have been inconclusive.

Objective

To evaluate the association between different central NIBS therapies and efficacy and acceptability for treatment of tinnitus.

Data Sources

ClinicalKey, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to August 4, 2019. No language restriction was applied. Manual searches were performed for potentially eligible articles selected from the reference lists of review articles and pairwise meta-analyses.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) examining the central NIBS method used in patients with unilateral or bilateral tinnitus were included in the current network meta-analysis. The central NIBS method was compared with sham, waiting list, or active controls. Studies that were not clinical trials or RCTs and did not report the outcome of interest were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two authors independently screened the studies, extracted the relevant information, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. In cases of discrepancy, a third author became involved. If manuscript data were not available, the corresponding authors or coauthors were approached to obtain the original data. This network meta-analysis was based on the frequentist model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in the severity of tinnitus. Secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life and the response rate related to the NIBS method in patients with tinnitus.

Results

Overall, 32 unique RCTs were included with 1458 unique participants (mean female proportion, 34.4% [range, 0%-81.2%]; mean age, 49.6 [range, 40.0-62.8] years; median age, 49.8 [interquartile range, 48.1-52.4] years). The results of the network meta-analysis revealed that cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex combined with transcranial random noise stimulation over the bilateral auditory cortex was associated with the greatest improvement in tinnitus severity (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.89; 95% CI, -3.00 to -0.78) and quality of life (SMD, -1.24; 95% CI, -2.02 to -0.45) compared with the controls. Improvement in tinnitus severity ranked more favorably for continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over both auditory cortices (SMD, -0.79; 95% CI = -1.57 to -0.01) than cTBS over only the left auditory cortex (SMD, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.87 to 0.28), compared with controls. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with priming had a superior beneficial association with tinnitus severity compared with the strategies without priming. None of the investigated NIBS types had a significantly different dropout rate compared with that of the control group.

Conclusions and Relevance

This network meta-analysis suggests a potential role of NIBS interventions in tinnitus management. Future large-scale RCTs focusing on longer follow-up and different priming procedure NIBS are warranted to confirm these findings.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on anxiety symptoms in patients with major depression: An analysis from the THREE-D trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the advances in the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), there is relatively little information about its effect on comorbid anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

Data from a large randomized noninferiority trial comparing intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (HFL) were analyzed. The primary aim was assessing changes in anxiety/somatization items from the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-A), using baseline-adjusted change with an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with the final scores as the outcome and baseline scores as the adjustment covariates.

RESULTS

The analytical cohort comprised 388 participants (189 in HFL and 199 in iTBS groups). From baseline to the end of the rTMS course, the combined score from the anxiety items from the HAM-D dropped from 7.43 (SD = 2.15) to 4.24 (SD = 2.33) in the HFL group, and 7.33 (SD = 2.13) to 3.76 (SD = 2.23) in the iTBS group. The ANCOVA resulted in an effect from time (p < .0001), but not from group allocation (p = .793) or time × group interaction (p = .976). We observed mean changes in the BSI-A of -3.5 (SD = 5.4) and -3.2 (SD = 4.8), with significant effect of time (p < .0001) in the ANCOVA, but not group allocation (p = .793) or group × time interaction (.664).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that both 10 Hz and iTBS may yield potential reductions in anxiety symptoms when used for the treatment of MDD. Our findings warrant future research into the effects of left-sided rTMS on depressed patients struggling with concurrent anxiety symptoms.

Efficacy of Active vs Sham Intermittent Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Patients With Bipolar Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are common and debilitating. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is well established in the treatment of major depressive disorder, and the intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) protocol is replacing conventional protocols because of noninferiority and reduced delivery time. However, iTBS has not been adequately studied in bipolar disorder and, therefore, its efficacy is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether iTBS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) is safe and efficacious in the treatment of acute bipolar depression.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This study was a double-blind, 4-week, randomized clinical trial of iTBS targeting the LDLPFC. Two Canadian academic centers recruited patients between 2016 and 2020. Adults with bipolar disorder type I or type II experiencing an acute major depressive episode were eligible if they had not benefited from a first-line treatment for acute bipolar depression recommended by the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments and were currently treated with a mood stabilizer, an atypical antipsychotic, or their combination. Seventy-one participants were assessed for eligibility, and 37 were randomized to daily sham iTBS or active iTBS using a random number sequence, stratified according to current pharmacotherapy. Data analysis was performed from April to September 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Four weeks of daily active iTBS (120% resting motor threshold) or sham iTBS to the LDLPFC. Nonresponders were eligible for 4 weeks of open-label iTBS.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the change in score on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale from baseline to study end. Secondary outcomes included clinical response, remission, and treatment-emergent mania or hypomania.

RESULTS

The trial was terminated for futility after 37 participants (23 women [62%]; mean [SD] age, 43.86 [13.87] years; age range, 20-68 years) were randomized, 19 to sham iTBS and 18 to active iTBS. There were no significant differences in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score changes (least squares mean difference between groups, -1.36 [95% CI, -8.92 to 6.19; P = .91] in favor of sham iTBS), and rates of clinical response were low in both the double-blind phase (3 of 19 participants [15.8%] in the sham iTBS group and 3 of 18 participants [16.7%] in the active iTBS group) and open-label phase (5 of 21 participants [23.8%]). One active iTBS participant had a treatment emergent hypomania, and a second episode occurred during open-label treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

iTBS targeting the LDLPFC is not efficacious in the treatment of acute bipolar depression in patients receiving antimanic or mood stabilizing agents. Additional research is required to understand how transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment protocols differ in efficacy between unipolar and bipolar depression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02749006.

Rapid Symptom Improvement in Major Depressive Disorder Using Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Objective

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has contributed to increase in the remission rate for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, current rTMS treatment is practically inconvenient because it requires daily treatment sessions for several weeks. Accelerated rTMS treatment is as efficient and safe for MDD patients as conventional rTMS.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with MDD participated in this study; they were randomized into accelerated rTMS (n = 21), conventional rTMS (n = 22), and sham-treatment (n = 8) groups. The accelerated and conventional rTMS groups received 15 sessions for 3 days and 3 weeks, respectively. The sham-treatment group received 15 sham rTMS sessions for 3 days. Primary outcome was assessed using self-report and clinician-rated Korean Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (KQIDS-SR and KQIDS-C, respectively). Adverse effects were monitored using the Frequency, Intensity, and Burden of Side Effects Rating scale. Changes in depressive symptoms were compared among the three groups using mixed model analyses.

Results

For the KQIDS-SR score, there was a significant main effect of "time" (F_3,47 = 11.05, p < 0.001), but no effect of "group" (F_2,47 = 2.04, p = 0.142), and a trend-level interaction effect of "group × time" (F_6,47 = 2.26, p = 0.053). Improvement in depressive symptoms, based on the KQIDS-SR score 3 weeks after treatment, was more prominent in the accelerated rTMS group than in the sham-treatment group (p = 0.011). Tolerability was comparable among the three groups.

Conclusion

The accelerated rTMS treatment group showed rapid improvement of depressive symptoms compared with the sham-treatment and conventional rTMS treatment groups. Therefore, accelerated rTMS treatment could be a viable option for MDD, with improved accessibility.

How does borderline personality disorder affect management and treatment response of patients with major depressive disorder? A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two clinical conditions that often co-occur, sharing several neurobiological aspects and clinical features. Depressed patients with BPD frequently report marked dysphoria, anger, emptiness and fear of abandonment. All these elements make the clinical management of MDD in patients with BPD challenging. The purpose of the present manuscript is to summarize the current literature about the effect of BPD on treatment response and management of patients affected by MDD.

METHODS

A bibliographic research on the main databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Isi Web of Knowledge, Medscape, The Cochrane Library) was performed selecting published papers from 1987 until 16^th April 2020 and 13 studies were finally included in this review.

RESULTS

Most of the studies focused on the response to antidepressants, psychotherapeutic treatments or their combinations in patients with both MDD and BPD. In general, the co-occurrence of BPD seems to be associated with a poorer response to MDD treatment.

LIMITATIONS

The data are not often replicated and most of the studies focus on different treatments, so that it is difficult to compare them.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of BPD seems to hamper the achievement of symptom remission in MDD patients, while the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and psychotherapy may represent a valid option to treat these patients. Future studies, however, will have to confirm more robustly the findings reported in the present article and to investigate other possible treatment strategies.

Patient-level Characteristics and Inequitable Access to Inpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study: Caractéristiques au niveau du patient et accès inéquitable à la thérapie électroconvulsive pour patients hospitalisés

OBJECTIVE

A variety of patient characteristics drive the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depression. However, the extent to which each characteristic influences the receipt of ECT, and whether they are appropriate, is unknown. The aim of this study is to identify patient-level characteristics associated with receiving inpatient ECT for depression.

METHOD

We identified all psychiatric inpatients with a major depressive episode admitted to hospital ≥3 days in Ontario, Canada (2009 to 2017). The association between patient-level characteristics at admission and receipt of inpatient ECT was determined using logistic regression, where a generalized estimating equations approach accounted for repeat admissions.

RESULTS

The cohort included 53,174 inpatients experiencing 75,429 admissions, with 6,899 admissions involving ECT (9.2%). Among demographic factors, age was most associated with ECT-younger adults had reduced (OR = 0.30, 95%CI, 0.24 to 0.37; 18 to 25 years) while older adults had increased (OR = 3.08, 95%CI, 2.41 to 3.93; 85+ years) odds compared to middle-aged adults (46 to 55 years). The likelihood of ECT was greater for individuals who were married/partnered, had postsecondary education, and resided in the highest neighborhood income quintile. Among clinical factors, illness polarity was most associated with receiving ECT-bipolar depression had reduced odds of receiving ECT (OR = 0.62, 95%CI, 0.57 to 0.69) The likelihood of receiving ECT was greater in psychotic depression, more depressive symptoms, and incapable to consent to treatment and was reduced with comorbid substance use disorders and several medical comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 1 in 10 admissions for depression in Ontario, Canada, involve ECT. Many clinical factors associated with receiving inpatient ECT were concordant with clinical guidelines; however, nonclinical factors associated with its use warrant investigation of their impact on equitable access to ECT.

Efficacy and neurophysiological predictors of treatment response of adjunct bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in treating unipolar and bipolar depression

BACKGROUND

Although add-on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising intervention for treating unipolar (UD) and bipolar depression (BD), its moderate antidepressant efficacy urges research into biomarkers for predicting therapeutic response and achieving highly targeted applications.

METHODS

This open-label trial enrolled UD (N=58) and BD (N=22) patients who had failed 1 or more trials of adequate pharmacologic interventions (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03287037). Bifrontal tDCS (anode/cathode: F3/F4) was applied using a 2 mA current for 20 min, twice daily, for 5 consecutive weekdays. Depression was measured with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD) at baseline, after 10-session stimulation, 1- and 4-week follow-ups. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at baseline, during the initial 5 min of the 1^st session, after 10-session stimulation, 1- and 4-week follow-ups. Cognitive performance and other outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Bifrontal tDCS rapidly and equally improved depression in both groups. The effects persisted until the end of the trial. Both groups had similar improvements in cognitive performance, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning. Compared with baseline, increased vagally-mediated HRV was observed one month after tDCS for both groups. A positive correlation was found between HR deceleration within the 1^st session and treatment response after 10-session tDCS only among UD patients, explaining 20% of the variance.

CONCLUSION

tDCS as an adjunct therapy is effective for both UD and BD. Data suggest that the greater the increase in parasympathetic signaling during the 1^st session, the better the clinical response after 10-session tDCS for UD patients.

Assessment for vagus nerve stimulation in patients with difficult-to-treat depression: a model from the Newcastle Regional Affective Disorders Service (RADS)

BACKGROUND

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been shown to improve long-term outcomes for some patients with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD).

OBJECTIVES

Set out criteria to support the identification of patients for whom VNS is a suitable treatment option.

METHODS

Published clinical evidence, coupled with clinical experience garnered at the Regional Affective Disorders Service (RADS; Newcastle, UK) to inform VNS criteria.

RESULTS

Patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder (predominantly depressive) and a history of failed trials of multiple treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be suitable candidates for VNS, if no contraindications are present. In the RADS such patients are offered VNS if they are able to provide informed consent and two specialists agree it is appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

VNS provides a valuable treatment option for DTD when used under appropriate circumstances; these assessment criteria facilitate the identification of patients with greatest potential to benefit.

Successful bilateral electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with a seizure disorder taking levetiracetam, lorazepam, and zonisamide: A case report

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered for treatment of severe, treatment-resistant, and emergent depression associated with MDD or bipolar disorder. Patients with epilepsy usually take medications that raise the seizure threshold, which poses challenges during ECT. We report a 66-year-old male with epilepsy taking levetiracetam extended-release (XR), lorazepam, and zonisamide requiring ECT for severe MDD. After literature review, the XR form of levetiracetam was changed to higher doses of the immediate-release (IR) formulation, and zonisamide was discontinued 2 days prior to ECT in the hospital and was resumed when the patient underwent outpatient continuation ECT. The patient was treated to remission after receiving 8 acute bilateral ECT treatments before being transitioned to continuation ECT. We provide a brief review of medication management of antiepileptic drugs and other medications that increase the seizure threshold during ECT. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case describing the management of levetiracetam, lorazepam, and zonisamide concomitantly during ECT. Our case suggests that utilizing the IR formulation of levetiracetam, administering the evening dose early the day prior to the procedure, and temporarily discontinuing zonisamide prior to bilateral ECT is effective for the treatment of severe MDD while maintaining seizure prophylaxis.

EEG, MEG and neuromodulatory approaches to explore cognition: Current status and future directions

Neural oscillations and their association with brain states and cognitive functions have been object of extensive investigation over the last decades. Several electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) analysis approaches have been explored and oscillatory properties have been identified, in parallel with the technical and computational advancement. This review provides an up-to-date account of how EEG/MEG oscillations have contributed to the understanding of cognition. Methodological challenges, recent developments and translational potential, along with future research avenues, are discussed.

Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation Over the DorsoLateral PreFrontal Cortex (DLPFC) in Healthy Subjects Produces No Cumulative Effect on Cortical Excitability

Background: Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) is a design of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and could be a candidate to replace rTMS in the treatment of depression, thanks to its efficacy, shorter duration, and ease of use. The antidepressant mechanism of iTBS, and whether this mechanism is mediated by a modulation of cortical excitability, remains unknown. Methods: Using a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled trial, 30 healthy volunteers received either iTBS or a sham treatment targeting the left DorsoLateral PreFrontal Cortex (L-DLPFC), twice a day over 5 consecutive days. Cortical excitability was measured before and after the 5 days of stimulation. Results: No difference in cortical excitability was observed between active or sham iTBS. Conclusion: Our study does not support any effect on cortical excitability of repetitive iTBS targeting the L-DLPFC.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder: basic principles and future directions

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and well-tolerated intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 150 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been carried out, and its efficacy has been confirmed in dozens of meta-analyses. Real world data has also confirmed the effectiveness of rTMS for MDD in clinical practice, with the most recent literature indicating response rates of 40-50% and remission rates of 25-30%. In this review, we first offer an historical perspective, followed by a review of basic principles, such as putative mechanisms, procedures and protocols, stimulation targets, efficacy and durability of response, side effects, and the placebo controversy. In the second part of this review, we first discuss solutions to increase accessibility to rTMS, such as modifications to treatment equipment, protocols and setting. We continue with possible means to further increase effectiveness, such as treatment personalization and extension. We conclude by addressing the scheduling issue, with accelerated rTMS (arTMS) as a possible solution.

Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Reducing Suicidal Ideation in Depression: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in reducing suicidal ideation in depression.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, CBMdisc, WanFang, Chongqing VIP, and CNKI databases were electronically searched for randomized controlled trials of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) intervention in the management of suicidal ideation from inception to February 24, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using STATA 15.1 software.

RESULTS

A total of eight articles involving 566 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that the suicidal ideation scores of the group who received TMS treatment were significantly lower [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.415, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.741 to -0.090, P = 0.012] than those of the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that age, TMS pattern, frequency of intervention, and stimulation threshold altered the TMS efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence showed that TMS achieved superior results in reducing suicidal ideation. Because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the conclusions.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://inplasy.com/, identifier: INPLASY202180065.

Efficacy and Safety of tDCS and tACS in Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Factorial Placebo-Controlled Study Design

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are regarded as promising antidepressant treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of tDCS, tACS, escitalopram, and placebo/sham stimulation controls.

DESIGN

Randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

Sample sizes were calculated based on data from previous similar studies. Eligible non-treatment-resistant-depressive outpatient subjects with moderate-to-severe depression (HRDS ≥17) are randomized to receive (1) tDCS + placebo; (2) tACS + placebo; (3) escitalopram + placebo; or (4) sham stimulation + placebo. The intensity of electricity is 2 mA, lasting for 30 minutes over two consecutive working days (10 sessions in total). The medication lasts for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the response rates within 6 weeks (week 6 is also the endpoint of the study), and secondary outcome measures included changes in other clinical measurements. Safety and acceptability are measured by adverse event rates and dropout rates. Exploring outcome consist of the performance of cognitive battery as well as neurophysiology results.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first double-blind controlled study comparing tDCS, tACS, and clinically used antidepressants, which will provide further evidence for their efficacy and safety in possible clinical applications.

The 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders

OBJECTIVES

To provide advice and guidance regarding the management of mood disorders, derived from scientific evidence and supplemented by expert clinical consensus to formulate s that maximise clinical utility.

METHODS

Articles and information sourced from search engines including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were supplemented by literature known to the mood disorders committee (e.g. books, book chapters and government reports) and from published depression and bipolar disorder guidelines. Relevant information was appraised and discussed in detail by members of the mood disorders committee, with a view to formulating and developing consensus-based recommendations and clinical guidance. The guidelines were subjected to rigorous consultation and external review involving: expert and clinical advisors, key stakeholders, professional bodies and specialist groups with interest in mood disorders.

RESULTS

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists mood disorders clinical practice guidelines 2020 (MDcpg²⁰²⁰) provide up-to-date guidance regarding the management of mood disorders that is informed by evidence and clinical experience. The guideline is intended for clinical use by psychiatrists, psychologists, primary care physicians and others with an interest in mental health care.

CONCLUSION

The MDcpg²⁰²⁰ builds on the previous 2015 guidelines and maintains its joint focus on both depressive and bipolar disorders. It provides up-to-date recommendations and guidance within an evidence-based framework, supplemented by expert clinical consensus.

MOOD DISORDERS COMMITTEE

Gin S Malhi (Chair), Erica Bell, Darryl Bassett, Philip Boyce, Richard Bryant, Philip Hazell, Malcolm Hopwood, Bill Lyndon, Roger Mulder, Richard Porter, Ajeet B Singh and Greg Murray.

Neurostimulation Methods in the Treatment of Depression: A Comparison of rTMS, tDCS, and Venlafaxine Using a Pooled Analysis of Two Studies

BACKGROUND

There are no head-to-head studies comparing the antidepressant effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This pooled analysis compared indirectly the antidepressant efficacy and acceptability of rTMS, tDCS, and the antidepressant venlafaxine (VNF) extended-release.

METHODS

The analysis (n=117, both patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and non-TRD were included) examined pooled data from two 4-week, single-centered, two-armed, double-blind, randomized studies (EUDRACT n. 2005-000826-22 and EUDRACT n. 2015-001639-19). The antidepressant efficacy of right-sided low-frequency rTMS (n=29) vs VNF (n=31) and left-sided anodal tDCS (n=29) vs VNF (n=28) was evaluated. The primary outcome was a change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score from baseline to the treatment endpoint at week 4. The response was defined as a ≥50% reduction in the MADRS score and remission as the MADRS score ≤10 points, both were calculated for the primary treatment endpoint at week 4.

RESULTS

Mean change in total MADRS scores from baseline to week 4 was 7.0 (95% CI, 4.8-9.1) points in the rTMS group, 7.6 (95% CI, 5.5-9.8) in the tDCS group, and 8.9 (95% CI, 7.4-10.4) among patients in the VNF group, a non-significant difference (F(2111)=0.62, p=0.54). Similarly, neither the response rates nor remission rates for rTMS (response 31%; remission 17%), tDCS (24%, 17%), or VNF (41%; 27%) significantly differed among treatment groups (χ ²=2.59, p=0.28; χ ²=1.66, p=0.44). Twenty patients (17%) dropped out of the studies in a similar proportion across groups (rTMS 3/29, tDCS 6/29, VNF 11/59, χ ²=1.41, p=0.52).

CONCLUSION

Our current analysis found a comparable efficacy and acceptability in all three treatment modalities (rTMS, tDCS, and VNF) and clinical relevance for the acute treatment of major depressive disorder.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of 124 Italian Patients With Treatment Resistant Depression: A Real-World, Prospective Study

Introduction: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a debilitating condition affecting 20-30% of patients with major depressive disorders (MDD). Currently, there is no established standard of care for TRD, and wide variation in the clinical approach for disease management has been documented. Real-world data could help describe TRD clinical features, disease burden, and treatment outcome and identify a potential unmet medical need. Methods: We analyzed the Italian data from a European, prospective, multicentric, observational cohort study of patients fulfilling TRD criteria by the European Medicine Agency, with moderate to severe major depressive episode, and starting a new antidepressant treatment according to routinary clinical practice. They were followed up for minimum 6 months. Treatments received throughout the study period, disease severity, health-related quality of life and functioning were prospectively recorded and analyzed. Results: The Italian subcohort included 124 TRD patients (30.2% of patients of the European cohort; mean age 53.2 [sd = 9.8], women: 82, 66.1%). At enrollement, the mean (SD) duration of MDD was 16 years (sd = 11.1) and the mean duration of the ongoing major depressive episode (MDE) was 97.5 weeks (sd = 143.5); low scores of quality of life and functioning were reported. The most frequently antidepressant classes started at baseline (data available for 98 subjects) were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, 42 patients [42.9%]) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI, 32 patients [32.7%]). In terms of treatment strategies, 50 patients (51%) started augmentation therapies, 18 (18.4%) combination therapies and 24 (24.5%) monoterapies (6 patients [6%] started a non-antidepressant drug only). Fourteen patients (11.3%) were treated with a psychosocial approach, including psychotherapy. After 6 months of treatment, clinical assessments were collected for 89 patients: 64 (71.9%) showed no response, 9 (10.1%) response without remission and 16 (18.0%) were in remission; non-responder patients showed lower quality of life and higher disability scores than responder patients. Conclusions: In our sample of TRD patients, we documented substantial illness burden, low perceived quality of life and poor outcome, suggesting an unmet treatment need in TRD care in Italy. Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT03373253.

Bi-temporal electroconvulsive therapy efficacy in bipolar and unipolar depression: A retrospective comparison

AIM

Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been extensively used for depressive episodes in bipolar disorder (BDD), it has received less interest in research compared with major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies comparing the efficacy of ECT in BDD and MDD have been contradictory. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ECT in BDD and MDD, analyzing the influence of clinical features on outcome.

METHODS

The medical charts and electronic records of 107 patients (MDDn = 75 [70.1 %], BDD n = 32 [29.9 %]) receiving bi-temporal ECT were investigated retrospectively. Features of the index episode, such as the time elapsed until ECT and the effect of diagnosis on efficacy evaluated by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), were analyzed.

RESULTS

The diagnostic groups were alike concerning clinical features of the index episode, such as the presence of psychotic symptoms and suicidality. Patient age and the number of previous affective episodes were significantly different between the groups. The time elapsed until ECT in the examined episode was significantly longer in the MDD group. Compared with the MDD group, the BDD group had a significantly higher remission rate with ECT. Regression analysis revealed that BDD diagnosis, older age, and shorter time until ECT were significantly associated with remission.

CONCLUSION

The significant relationship observed between greater time elapsed until ECT and worse outcome is noteworthy in terms of clinical practice. This finding further challenges the widely accepted place of ECT as the "last resort" for the treatment of depression in bipolar and unipolar affective disorders.

A Real-World, Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Arm Observational Study of Duloxetine in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Background: Suboptimal treatment response during anti-depressive treatment is fairly common with the first antidepressant (AD) choice, followed by switching to another agent in the majority of cases. However, the efficacy of this strategy over continuation of the original agent is less solidly documented in real-life studies. The aim of our present study was to ascertain the effects of switching to duloxetine following inadequate response to prior ADs on general illness severity, pain, and health-related quality of life in a large sample of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients in a prospective, real-world, multicenter, observational study. Methods: A total of 578 participants with MDD or GAD were enrolled in 58 outpatient sites in an 8-week, single-arm, open-label, flexible-dose trial with duloxetine. Severity of symptoms [with Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I)], severity of pain (with a Visual Analog Scale), satisfaction with current treatment, and health-related quality of life [with the three-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L)] measures were recorded at baseline and at follow-up visits 4 and 8 weeks after initiation of treatment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and mixed linear models. Results: 565 patients completed the study and comprised the analyzed dataset. Results indicated that severity of illness significantly decreased over the 8 weeks of the study and already at 4 weeks in both patient groups. Overall quality of life and all of its subindicators also significantly improved in both patient groups and so did subjective experience of pain. Satisfaction with current treatment also significantly increased during the study period. Frequency of side effects was low. In both GAD and MDD groups, two patients dropped out of the study due to adverse effects, leading to treatment termination in four cases (0.7%). Conclusions: This 8-week, multicenter, flexible-dosing, single-arm, open-label, observational real-life study in MDD and GAD patients switched to duloxetine after inadequate response or low tolerability to other ADs showed a significant positive effect on all outcome measures, including a significant decrease in illness severity as well as significant overall symptomatic improvement, with good tolerability.

Recurrence After Stopping Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Retrospective Case Series

OBJECTIVES

Relapses and recurrence remain the greatest risks posed by patients with severe mood disorders after discontinuation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). To date, despite a wide range of literature on ECT, little is known about the rate of recurrence of depression after maintenance ECT (mECT) discontinuation specifically. This study sought to address this lacuna, confronting literature data to the results of a retrospective case study.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted, followed by a retrospective analysis of 18 cases of mECT discontinuation between January 2011 and June 2016 involving patients with affective disorders.

RESULTS

The comprehensive review revealed that only 3 studies have assessed recurrence rate after c/mECT discontinuation. In our retrospective analysis, mean (SD) mECT duration was 12.69 (12.16) months. A new mood event (usually a depressive state) was observed in 50% of the cases, and 44% of those recurrences occurred during the first 6 months after discontinuation.

DISCUSSION

Given that high recurrence rates are observed after mECT discontinuation, the authors discuss the advantages of long-term mECT and the choice of concomitant pharmacotherapy for severe and complex affective disorders.

Efficacy, efficiency and safety of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied more than once a day in depression: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for depression but a standard course can be time-consuming. Of all rTMS protocols, high-frequency rTMS (HF rTMS) is the most studied and applied in clinical settings. Little is known about applying multiple sessions of HF rTMS per day, in so-called accelerated schedules.

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic records up to September 2019 for studies that applied HF rTMS in accelerated schedules to treat depression to review its efficacy, efficiency and safety. Treatment effect sizes of accelerated rTMS versus standard and sham rTMS were calculated from comparison studies and pooled to derive overall treatment effect.

RESULTS

Of 1,361 records screened, 12 met review criteria. Qualitative synthesis suggested accelerated HF rTMS was equally effective as once-daily scheduling in treating depression. It is equivocal if accelerated HF rTMS results in more rapid antidepressant response. Accelerated HF rTMS was well-tolerated. The small number of studies suitable for quantitative analysis led to pooled effect sizes that did not reach statistical significance.

LIMITATIONS

There was an overall paucity of studies examining the accelerated application of HF rTMS and even fewer studies comparing accelerated HF rTMS with once-daily or sham rTMS.

CONCLUSION

Our review found comparable antidepressant efficacy between accelerated and once-daily HF rTMS. Between group differences in therapeutic effect sizes were not clinically meaningful. More studies investigating accelerated rTMS protocols are needed to validate its utility and guide clinical decision making.

The clinical relevance of dose titration in electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review of the literature

Electroconvulsive therapy is a highly effective treatment of several psychiatric disorders. The debate regarding which charge dosing method offers the most favorable risk-benefit ratio remains. Our objective was to review the comparative evidence regarding efficacy and tolerability of dose titration (DT) vs other charge dosing methods, such as the age-based method (ABM) and the fixed dose method. Our secondary objective was to examine which populations would most benefit from DT. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in March 2020. Studies comparing DT to another charge dosing method were included. Fourteen articles depicting hypothetical comparisons between DT and another dosing method were found and seven articles made hypothetical comparisons without measurement of clinical outcomes. Although there is a trend in favor of DT in these articles, no clear recommendations could be drawn regarding the clinical superiority of one method. Older patients could be at higher risk of overstimulation with ABM, especially older women. The lack of high-quality prospective trials was a limitation as well as the fact that many studies used suprathreshold stimulus intensity deemed insufficient according to recent guidelines. This review emphasizes that more studies are needed to establish the differential clinical relevance of each method.

Burden of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) in patients with major depressive disorder in Ontario using Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) databases: Economic burden and healthcare resource utilization

INTRODUCTION

The burden of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Canada requires empirical characterization to better inform clinicians and policy decision-making in mental health. Towards this aim, this study utilized the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) databases to quantify the economic burden and resource utilization of Patients with TRD in Ontario.

METHODS

TRD, Non-TRD Major Depressive Disorder (Non-TRD MDD) and Non-MDD cohorts were selected from the ICES databases between April 2006-March 2015 and followed-up for at least two years. TRD was defined as a minimum of two treatment failures within one-year of the index MDD diagnosis. Non-TRD and Non-MDD patients were matched with patients with TRD to analyze costs, resource utilization, and demographic information.

RESULTS

Out of 277 patients with TRD identified, the average age was 52 years (SD 16) and 53% were female. Compared to Non-TRD, the patients with TRD had more all-cause visits to outpatient (38.2 vs. 24.2) and emergency units (2.7 vs. 2.0) and more depression-related visits to GPs (3.06 vs. 1.63) and psychiatrists (5.88 vs. 1.95) (all p < 0.05). The average two-year cost for TRD patients was $20,998 (CAD).

LIMITATIONS

This study included patients with only public plan coverage; therefore, overall TRD population and cash and private claims were not captured.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TRD exhibit a significantly higher demand on healthcare resources and higher overall payments compared to Non-TRD patients. The findings suggest that there are current challenges in adequately managing this difficult-to-treat patient group and there remains a high unmet need for new therapies.

Shorter recovery times and better cognitive function-A comparative pilot study of magnetic seizure therapy and electroconvulsive therapy in patients with depressive episodes

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a new convulsive therapy that is as effective as traditional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating depression but with fewer cognitive side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and cognitive effects between MST (100 Hz applied over the vertex) and bifrontal ECT for treating patients with depressive episodes.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with depressive episodes were enrolled, with 18 receiving MST and 27 receiving ECT. MST was administered over the vertex with 100 Hz frequency. Treatment consisted of six sessions. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) was used to assess the severity of depression. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used to assess cognition. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the third and sixth treatment sessions.

RESULTS

Both MST and ECT improved the patients' depressive symptoms significantly, yet no significant difference was found between the two groups (p > .05). The response rates and remission rates of MST and ECT were 72.2% versus 81.5% and 61.1% versus 63.0%, respectively. The MST group showed significant improvements in immediate memory (p < .001), delayed memory (p = .002), and attention (p < .001) than ECT. The recovery times for consciousness (p < .001), spontaneous breathing (p < .001), and orientation (p < .001) were shorter in MST group than ECT group. RBANS improvements were negatively correlated with the recovery time for orientation (r = .561, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Magnetic seizure therapy showed similar efficacy to bifrontal ECT for treating depressive episodes. While MST may be an effective alternative to ECT, larger randomized trials are needed.

Electrocardiogram Corrected Q-T Interval Predicts Response to Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Depression

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have revealed a possible link between heart rate variability (HRV) and major depressive disorder (MDD), with decreased HRV in MDD compared with healthy subjects. Corrected Q-T interval (QTc) has been suggested to represent an indirect estimate of HRV, as QTc length is inversely correlated to parasympathetic activity in healthy subjects. This retrospective study assessed the ability of QTc length in predicting response to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment in refractory depression.

METHODS

We measured QTc length in 19 patients suffering from refractory depression, selected to be implanted with VNS. Correlations were calculated between baseline QTc (preimplantation) and long-term mood response.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients selected for VNS surgery were included in the study. Baseline 28-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were 28.5 ± 6.8 and decreased to 15.1 ± 9.5 at 12 months and 12.4 ± 10.4 at 24 months post-VNS. Among the 19 patients, 53% (10) were responders and 26% (5) were in remission at 12 months. Pretreatment QTc averaged 425.5 ± 22.0. Patients with longer baseline QTc displayed larger improvement, with a significant correlation between mood and QTc values after 12 months (r(18) = -0.526, P = 0.02) and also after 24 months of VNS therapy (r(17) = -0.573, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The presented analysis showed that increased QTc in patients with MDD might be used as a baseline biomarker for depressive episodes that might respond preferentially to VNS. The link between cardiovagal activity in depression and response to VNS treatment requires further investigation in larger cohorts and randomized controlled trials.

Applications of Non-invasive Neuromodulation for the Management of Disorders Related to COVID-19

Background: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) morbidity is not restricted to the respiratory system, but also affects the nervous system. Non-invasive neuromodulation may be useful in the treatment of the disorders associated with COVID-19. Objective: To describe the rationale and empirical basis of the use of non-invasive neuromodulation in the management of patients with COVID-10 and related disorders. Methods: We summarize COVID-19 pathophysiology with emphasis of direct neuroinvasiveness, neuroimmune response and inflammation, autonomic balance and neurological, musculoskeletal and neuropsychiatric sequela. This supports the development of a framework for advancing applications of non-invasive neuromodulation in the management COVID-19 and related disorders. Results: Non-invasive neuromodulation may manage disorders associated with COVID-19 through four pathways: (1) Direct infection mitigation through the stimulation of regions involved in the regulation of systemic anti-inflammatory responses and/or autonomic responses and prevention of neuroinflammation and recovery of respiration; (2) Amelioration of COVID-19 symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and systemic fatigue; (3) Augmenting cognitive and physical rehabilitation following critical illness; and (4) Treating outbreak-related mental distress including neurological and psychiatric disorders exacerbated by surrounding psychosocial stressors related to COVID-19. The selection of the appropriate techniques will depend on the identified target treatment pathway. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection results in a myriad of acute and chronic symptoms, both directly associated with respiratory distress (e.g., rehabilitation) or of yet-to-be-determined etiology (e.g., fatigue). Non-invasive neuromodulation is a toolbox of techniques that based on targeted pathways and empirical evidence (largely in non-COVID-19 patients) can be investigated in the management of patients with COVID-19.

Autonomic balance determines the severity of COVID-19 courses

COVID-19 has left mankind desperately seeking how to manage dramatically rising infection rates associated with severe disease progressions. COVID-19 courses range from mild symptoms up to multiple organ failure and death, triggered by excessively high serum cytokine levels (IL 1β, IL 6, TNF α, IL 8). The vagally driven cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) stops the action of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), the transcriptional factor of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, well-balanced cytokine release depends on adequate vagal signaling. Coronaviruses replicate using NF-κB transcriptional factor as well. By degrading the cytoplasmatic inhibitor of NF-κB subunits (IκB), coronaviruses induce unrestricted NF-κB expression accelerating both, virus replication and cytokine transcription.We hypothesize that CAP detriment due to depressed vagal tone critically determines the severity of COVID-19.

Recovering from depression with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained growing interest for the treatment of major depression (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Most knowledge on rTMS comes from human studies as preclinical application has been problematic. However, recent optimization of rTMS in animal models has laid the foundations for improved translational studies. Preclinical studies have the potential to help identify optimal stimulation protocols and shed light on new neurobiological-based rationales for rTMS use. To assess existing evidence regarding rTMS effects on depressive-like symptoms in rodent models, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019157549). In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine rTMS efficacy, performing subgroup analyses to examine the impact of different experimental models and neuromodulation parameters. Assessment of the depressive-like phenotype was quite homogeneous whilst rTMS parameters among the 23 included studies varied considerably. Most studies used a stress-induced model. Overall, results show a largely beneficial effect of active rTMS compared to sham stimulation, as reflected in the statistically significant recovery of both helplessness (SDM 1.34 [1.02;1.66]) and anhedonic (SDM 1.87 [1.02;2.72]) profiles. Improvement of the depressive-like phenotype was obtained in all included models and independently of rTMS frequency. Nonetheless, these results have limited predictive value for TRD patients as only antidepressant-sensitive models were used. Extending rTMS studies to other MDD models, corresponding to distinct endophenotypes, and to TRD models is therefore crucial to test rTMS efficacy and to develop cost-effective protocols, with the potential of yielding faster clinical responses in MDD and TRD.

Treatment Capacity and Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Schizophrenia Who Were Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia are often found incapable to consent to psychiatric treatment. We evaluated clinical outcomes for incapable and capable patients with schizophrenia treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of all inpatients treated with an acute course of ECT between 2010 and 2018 at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. Short-term outcomes included treatment response and cognitive impairment. We assessed whether incapable patients regained the capacity to consent to treatment. Long-term outcomes included readmissions and subsequent courses of acute or maintenance ECT.

RESULTS

A total of 159 (67%) incapable and 79 (33%) capable patients were included. Patients experienced treatment response (incapable, n = 108, 67.9%; capable, n = 52, 65.8%; P = .771) and few experienced cognitive impairment (incapable, n = 21, 13.2%; capable, n = 19, 24.1%; P = .043). A minority of patients were treated with a subsequent course of acute ECT (incapable, n = 46, 28.9%; capable, n = 16, 20.3%; P = .162). Incapable patients were more likely to be treated with maintenance ECT for at least 6 months (incapable, n = 46, 28.9%; capable, n = 13, 16.5%; P = .039). Both groups had similar readmission rates (incapable, n = 70, 44.0%; capable, n = 35, 44.3%; P = 1.000). Eight (5.0%) incapable patients regained capacity and 7 consented to further treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of treatment capacity, the majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement. Incapable patients experienced less cognitive side effects when compared with capable patients, though they had fewer treatments overall. This study informs clinicians, patients, and substitute decision-makers about the outcomes and challenges of ECT in patients with schizophrenia.

Vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: is this therapy distinct from other antidepressant treatments?

BACKGROUND

The treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a very disabling disease.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the therapeutic activity of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy system in TRD. We summarised the progress made during the last decade in this area.

METHODS

We conducted a non-systematic review on the efficacy and safety of the VNS therapy for this disease. We analysed the results from acute and long-term studies that utilised this technique. Major electronic databases were searched.

RESULTS

The patients with TRD may show acute and long-term benefit when treated with this technique. There are promising results for VNS therapy for these patients. The level of evidence as an acute treatment option is only 3, but as chronic treatment is 2. This therapy should be offered as an added long-term treatment option for patients with chronic and recurrent difficult to treat depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The antidepressant effects of this procedure remain controversial. The clinical trials have produced mixed results, but VNS therapy for TRD has two distinct features that differentiate it from other antidepressant treatments: a sustained therapeutic response obtained in highly resistant depressive disorders, a favourable safety profile and guaranteed compliance.

The concept and management of acute episodes of treatment-resistant bipolar disorder: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The definitions of treatment-resistant bipolar disorder (TRBD) have varied across studies. Additionally, its management is clinically challenging. An updated synthesis and appraisal of the available evidence is needed.

METHODS

A systematic search of major electronic databases from inception up to May 25th, 2020, was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of TRBD. When sufficient evidence was available, a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (n = 928 patients) were included in the qualitative synthesis. Fourteen studies (n = 803) assessed treatment-resistant acute bipolar depression (TRBD-De), including five neuromodulatory and nine pharmacological trials. Rapid- vs. standard up-titration of clozapine showed promising efficacy for TRBD mania, without significant adverse events. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was confirmed to be similarly effective for TRBD-De as for treatment-resistant unipolar depression: odd ratio, OR = 0.919 (95%C.I. = 0.44-1.917), I² = 13.98, p = .822. TRBD-De patients exposed to ketamine at day one post-infusion had high odds of response: OR = 10.682 (95%C.I. = 2.142-53.272), I² = 0, p = <.005. The pooled drop-out rate in the ketamine trials was 21.2%. Additional evidence is warranted to confirm the potential efficacy of pramipexole or stimulants for TRBD-De.

LIMITATIONS

Publication/measurement bias; exploratory nature of the meta-analyses for interventions that included participants solely with TRBD-De.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a few interventions are available for TRBD, including pramipexole, ECT, and clozapine, among others. Larger and better-designed trials for TRBD are warranted and should be based on more uniform operational definitions. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018114567.

Bilateral sequential theta burst stimulation for multiple-therapy-resistant depression: A naturalistic observation study

Depression is a significant health issue with treatment resistance reported in about one third of patients. Treatment resistance results in significant disability, impaired quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment option for treatment resistant depression (TRD) with response and remission rates in open-label studies being as high as 58% and 37% respectively. Theta-burst is a faster and novel rTMS paradigm that has shown promise as a treatment for TRD in some preliminary studies. In a naturalistic design, we evaluated the response, remission and tolerability of bilateral sequential (right then left) prefrontal theta-burst rTMS (bsTBS) in 50 patients with TRD (600 pulses/session, 20 sessions, 100% of resting motor threshold (80% if intolerant to 100%, n = 2), F4/F3 of 10-20-20 EEG localization). Data was collected over 36 months from a specialized academic TMS clinic. Patients had multiple-treatment resistance with at least two failed trials of different antidepressants with 20% also having failed electroconvulsive therapy and 66% having received professional therapy. We found a 28% remission rate (HAMD-17 score of ≤7) and a 52% response rate (≥50% reduction in HAMD-17) with a 42% reduction in average HAMD-17 score. The treatment was well tolerated, with muscle contractions, mild pain or discomfort, headache, scalp irritation, and changes to vitals being captured as occasional adverse events with two instances of syncope (0.22% of treatments). This naturalistic study shows that bsTBS is a promising paradigm for a multiple-TRD patient population with approximately one-third of treatments achieving remission and over half achieving significant response.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation With and Without Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: Protocol for Patient-Centered Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

Major depression is a severe, disabling, and potentially lethal clinical disorder. Only about half of patients respond to an initial course of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. At least 15% of all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain refractory to any treatment intervention. By the time that a patient has experienced 3 definitive treatment failures, the likelihood of achieving remission with the fourth treatment option offered is below 10%. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is considered a treatment option for patients with MDD who are refractory to antidepressant treatment. It is not currently known if the addition of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) enhances patients' responses to rTMS treatments.

OBJECTIVE

This study will evaluate the initial comparative clinical effectiveness of rTMS with and without iCBT as an innovative patient-centered intervention for the treatment of participants diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

METHODS

This study is a prospective, two-arm randomized controlled trial. In total, 100 participants diagnosed with resistant depression at a psychiatric care clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, will be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) enrolment in rTMS sessions alone and (2) enrolment in the rTMS sessions plus iCBT. Participants in each group will complete evaluation measures (eg, recovery, general symptomatology, and functional outcomes) at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change to scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Patient service utilization data and clinician-rated measures will also be used to gauge patient progress. Patient data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures, and correlational analyses.

RESULTS

We expect the results of the study to be available in 24 months. We hypothesize that participants enrolled in the study who receive rTMS plus iCBT will achieve superior outcomes in comparison to participants who receive rTMS alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant application of psychotherapy with rTMS has not been investigated previously. We hope that this project will provide us with a concrete base of data to evaluate the practical application and efficacy of using a novel combination of these two treatment modalities (rTMS plus iCBT).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0423965; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04239651.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/18843.

Appraising the effectiveness of electrical and magnetic brain stimulation techniques in acute major depressive episodes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

Electrical and magnetic brain stimulation techniques present distinct mechanisms and efficacy in the acute treatment of depression. This was an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of brain stimulation techniques for managing acute major depressive episodes. A systematic review was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE databases from inception until March 2020. We included the English language meta-analysis with the most randomized controlled trials on the effects of any brain stimulation technique vs. control in adults with an acute depressive episode. Continuous and dichotomous outcomes were assessed. A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 was applied and the credibility of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Seven meta-analyses were included (5,615 patients), providing evidence for different modalities of brain stimulation techniques. Three meta-analyses were evaluated as having high methodological quality, three as moderate, and one as low. The highest quality of evidence was found for high frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation, and bilateral rTMS. There is strong clinical research evidence to guide future clinical use of some techniques. Our results confirm the heterogeneity of the effects across these techniques, indicating that different mechanisms of action lead to different efficacy profiles.

Complementary and alternative medicine recommendations for depression: a systematic review and assessment of clinical practice guidelines

BACKGROUND

Up to 50% of individuals diagnosed with depression are known to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of this study was to identify the quantity and assess the quality of CAM recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for the treatment and/or management of depression in adults using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify depression guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from 2008 to 2018. The Guidelines International Network and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health websites were also searched. Eligible guidelines published by non-profit agencies on treatment of depression for adults were assessed with the AGREE II instrument twice, once for the overall guideline and once for the CAM sections.

RESULTS

From 931 unique search results, 19 guidelines mentioned CAM, of which 16 made CAM recommendations. Scaled domain percentages from highest to lowest were as follows (overall, CAM section): clarity of presentation (87.0, 66.1%), scope and purpose (80.9, 77.6%), stakeholder involvement (62.0, 44.3%), editorial independence (61.6, 61.6%), rigour of development (58.0, 52.0%), and applicability (42.2, 25.4%). Quality varied within and across guidelines. Only 1 of 16 guidelines was recommended without modifications for both its overall and CAM sections by both appraisers.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple depression guidelines containing CAM recommendations available and there are a comprehensive set of CAM therapy options for depression. The quality of guidelines varied within and across guidelines and the quality of CAM recommendations was generally lower than the overall recommendations in the guidelines for all domains except editorial independence. Generally, characteristics of guidelines, including the year of publication and region of development varied across the guidelines irrespective of quality. Guidelines with higher AGREE II scores can serve as a guide to facilitate communication between patients and medical professionals regarding CAM use for depression, while guidelines with lower scores could be improved in future updates using the AGREE II instrument as a guide.

International Consortium on the Genetics of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Severe Depressive Disorders (Gen-ECT-ic)

Recent genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that the genetic burden associated with depression correlates with depression severity. Therefore, conducting genetic studies of patients at the most severe end of the depressive disorder spectrum, those with treatment-resistant depression and who are prescribed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), could lead to a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of depression. Despite ECT being one of the most effective forms of treatment for severe depressive disorders, it is usually placed at the end of treatment algorithms of current guidelines. This is perhaps because ECT has controlled risk and logistical demands including use of general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants and side-effects such as short-term memory impairment. Better understanding of the genetics and biology of ECT response and of cognitive side-effects could lead to more personalized treatment decisions. To enhance the understanding of the genomics of severe depression and ECT response, researchers and ECT providers from around the world and from various depression or ECT networks, but not limited to, such as the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, the Clinical Alliance and Research in ECT, and the National Network of Depression Centers have formed the Genetics of ECT International Consortium (Gen-ECT-ic). Gen-ECT-ic will organize the largest clinical and genetic collection to date to study the genomics of severe depressive disorders and response to ECT, aiming for 30,000 patients worldwide using a GWAS approach. At this stage it will be the largest genomic study on treatment response in depression. Retrospective data abstraction and prospective data collection will be facilitated by a uniform data collection approach that is flexible and will incorporate data from many clinical practices. Gen-ECT-ic invites all ECT providers and researchers to join its efforts.

Application of Noninvasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation to Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders

BACKGROUND

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of depression, but to date, VNS devices have required surgical implantation, which has limited widespread implementation.

METHODS

New noninvasive VNS (nVNS) devices have been developed which allow external stimulation of the vagus nerve, and their effects on physiology in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders can be measured with brain imaging, blood biomarkers, and wearable sensing devices. Advantages in terms of cost and convenience may lead to more widespread implementation in psychiatry, as well as facilitate research of the physiology of the vagus nerve in humans. nVNS has effects on autonomic tone, cardiovascular function, inflammatory responses, and central brain areas involved in modulation of emotion, all of which make it particularly applicable to patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, since dysregulation of these circuits and systems underlies the symptomatology of these disorders.

RESULTS

This paper reviewed the physiology of the vagus nerve and its relevance to modulating the stress response in the context of application of nVNS to stress-related psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

nVNS has a favorable effect on stress physiology that is measurable using brain imaging, blood biomarkers of inflammation, and wearable sensing devices, and shows promise in the prevention and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Development and implementation of guidelines for the management of depression: a systematic review

Objective

To evaluate the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of depression globally.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of existing guidelines for the management of depression in adults with major depressive or bipolar disorder. For each identified guideline, we assessed compliance with measures of guideline development quality (such as transparency in guideline development processes and funding, multidisciplinary author group composition, systematic review of comparative efficacy research) and implementation (such as quality indicators). We compared guidelines from low- and middle-income countries with those from high-income countries.

Findings

We identified 82 national and 13 international clinical practice guidelines from 83 countries in 27 languages. Guideline development processes and funding sources were explicitly specified in a smaller proportion of guidelines from low- and middle-income countries (8/29; 28%) relative to high-income countries (35/58; 60%). Fewer guidelines (2/29; 7%) from low- and middle-income countries, relative to high-income countries (22/58; 38%), were authored by a multidisciplinary development group. A systematic review of comparative effectiveness was conducted in 31% (9/29) of low- and middle-income country guidelines versus 71% (41/58) of high-income country guidelines. Only 10% (3/29) of low- and middle-income country and 19% (11/58) of high-income country guidelines described plans to assess quality indicators or recommendation adherence.

Conclusion

Globally, guideline implementation is inadequately planned, reported and measured. Narrowing disparities in the development and implementation of guidelines in low- and middle-income countries is a priority. Future guidelines should present strategies to implement recommendations and measure feasibility, cost–effectiveness and impact on health outcomes.

The therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in elderly depression patients

BACKGROUND

Depression, a common psychiatric disorder in elderly, serves as a remarkable precipitating factor for suicide among the elderly people. Here, a randomized double-blinded study was performed to investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on improving the clinical symptoms and reducing suicidal ideation in elderly patients with depression.

METHODS

In this study, 103 elderly patients with depression and suicidal ideation were randomly divided into 2 groups, 48 cases in the rTMS group and 55 cases in the control group (sham rTMS). Both groups received routine drug therapy with rTMS or sham rTMS. The patients received evaluation by Hamilton depression scale and self-rating idea of suicide scale before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

The measurement from the present study demonstrated that Hamilton depression scale and self-rating idea of suicide scale scores decreased to varying degrees in the 2 groups after treatment, and the decrease was more significant in rTMS group. The rate of marked effectiveness was much higher in rTMS group after 2 weeks of treatment compared with the control group. Furthermore, the rate of moderate effectiveness at 4 weeks after treatment was significantly higher in rTMS group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Together, the present study shows that rTMS with routine drug therapy exhibited effect with quick onset to improve the clinical symptoms and reduce suicidal ideation in elderly patients with depression.

Collaborating with individuals with lived experience to adapt CANMAT clinical depression guidelines into a patient treatment guide: The CHOICE-D co-design process

Effective treatment of depression involves collaboration with informed patients and families and appropriate knowledge sharing. We describe here our experience, as a case example, of a collaboration to "translate" a clinical guideline designed for practitioners into an accessible, plainlanguage version that patients and families can use during the care process, both to provide basic educational information and to foster informed discussions with their treatment providers. Content experts in knowledge translation, patient advocacy, patient-oriented research, and psychiatry guided overall project design. Our first step was to identify lived experience writers to join in the codesign and co-writing of the "CHOICE-D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment." A national call for writers attracted 62 applicants, from whom eight individuals with lived experience of depression and writing experience were selected. Individuals subsequently attended a welcoming teleconference, followed by a 1-day workshop designed to provide (a) a detailed overview of the clinician guideline, (b) an opportunity to select what should be included in the Guide, and (c) key principles of knowledge translation/lay writing. Both from the workshop and subsequently through the codesign process, lived experience writers recommended that the Guide address symptoms, effects of illness course on treatment, first-line treatments, safety/side effects, and treatment misconceptions. To promote patient autonomy, question scripts (how and what to ask your treatment provider), self-triaging resources, and treatment selection aids were suggested. Stylistic considerations included use of simple yet hopeful language, brevity, white space, key terms glossary, and graphics. Several strategies were particularly useful to optimize writer engagement in the codesign process: a pre-workshop conference call and circulation of project resources, an in-person workshop to increase content knowledge, structured discussion with co-writers and project leads to develop ideas, and practical training exercises with the provision of feedback. Both during and at the end of the project, writers provided additional recommendations for improving the process, including more in-person meetings, distribution of step-by-step instructions on the writing task, and a key terms glossary of technical terms to support their role. In conclusion, we describe a process with practical tips and reflective feedback on important considerations for engaging persons with lived experience as leaders in the codesign and writing process of lay treatment guidelines. These methods may serve as a model for similar projects in other areas of healthcare.

Endocrine and immune effects of non-convulsive neurostimulation in depression: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Non-convulsive neurostimulation is a rapidly-developing alternative to traditional treatment approaches in depression. Modalities such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are now recognized as potential treatments. How non-convulsive neurostimulation interventions impact the neurohormonal and neuroimmune changes that accompany depression remains relatively unknown. If this type of intervention can drive endocrine, immune, as well symptom changes in depression, non-convulsive neurostimulation may represent a viable, multi-faceted treatment approach in depression. We were therefore interested to understand the state of the literature in this developing area.

METHODS

A systematic review of all studies that examined the impact of non-convulsive neurostimulation interventions on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune function in the form of cytokine production in depression.

RESULTS

We identified 15 human studies, 9 that examined rTMS, 2 that examined tDCS, 2 that examined VNS and 2 that examined electroacupuncture. 11 animal studies were also identified, 3 that examined rTMS, 2 that examined DBS and 6 that examined electroacupuncture. All types of non-convulsive neurostimulation were able to revert the increases in cortisol, ACTH and other components of the HPA axis that are seen in depressed patients, as well as to modulate the levels of key cytokines known to be up-regulated in depression, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Changes in the HPA axis and levels of cytokines in response to non-convulsive neurostimulation often did not correlate with change in depressive symptoms. Most studies were not controlled trials and thus, significant methodologic variability existed. Furthermore, many human studies lacked a sham stimulation comparator arm. We were unable to conduct relevant meta-analyses due to the design heterogeneities, heterogeneity in the reported outcome measures and the limited number of studies retrieved. Animal studies generally supported the findings of those in human, but again, significant variability in methodology and study design were evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-convulsive neurostimulation interventions show promise in their ability to alter the endocrine and immune disturbances that accompany depression. Further research, which includes blinded, sham-controlled comparator designs is required.