D-DOTT

Information

Approximately 1 in 12 adults suffer from a depressive episode each year. Not all patients with depression respond to treatment with medication. After two or more unsuccessful treatments, patients in the Netherlands are eligible for a 6-week, daily treatment with non-invasive brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, rTMS). For some patients (approximately 30%), this treatment is effective. A new rTMS protocol (called the Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy, or SNT, protocol) has recently been developed, which can increase the effectiveness to 79% treatment response. This new, intensive protocol takes only 5 days and uses intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a form of TMS.

Purpose of the study

We want to make a direct comparison of the effectiveness of the regular rTMS protocol and the new SNT protocol for the treatment of depressive complaints. In addition, we want to investigate whether we can apply the SNT protocol in a way that it becomes affordable enough to be reimbursed by health insurers.

About rTMS and iTBS

RTMS is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses magnetic pulses that can pass through the skull. By repeatedly giving these pulses, we can increase or decrease the activity of specific brain areas. iTBS is a form of rTMS that can stimulate more in a shorter time by means of periodic (intermittent), rapidly successive impulses (theta bursts). We believe that this new form (among other things) may lead to a better treatment outcome in depression.

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Researchers

Uitvoerend onderzoekers:

Drs. Tom Biemans, locatie Nijmegen, d-dott.psy@radboudumc.nl

Drs. Coen Coomans, locatie Amsterdam, ddott@amsterdamumc.nl

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Hoofdonderzoeker:

Dr. Annemiek Dols, Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, Psychiater

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Projectleider:

Prof. dr. Eric van Exel, Amsterdam UMC, GGZ InGeest Amsterdam, Psychiater

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Lokale hoofdonderzoekers:

Prof. dr. Odile van den Heuvel, Amsterdam UMC, locatie VUmc, Psychiater

Dr. Philip van Eijndhoven, Radboud UMC, Psychiater

Dr. Karel Scheepstra, Amsterdam UMC, locatie AMC, Psychiater

Prof.dr. Alexander Sack, Maastricht UMC+, Neurowetenschapper