Can brain connectivity predict who benefits from depression treatment?
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 15-Jul-2025 12:11 ET (15-Jul-2025 16:11 GMT/UTC)
Data from a randomised controlled trial of iTBS in depression (n=82) were analysed using a data-driven approach to classify homogeneous subgroups based on the DMN. Connectivity subgroups were compared on depressive symptoms and cognitive function at pretreatment and post-treatment. Furthermore, the predictive significance of baseline inflammatory cytokines on post-treatment outcomes was evaluated.
This study is a 6-month pilot three-arm randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants (n=108) were recruited and randomised to the AE group, RE group or control (CON) group with a 1:1:1 ratio. Interventions were delivered at home with remote supervision. We evaluated participants’ global cognition, memory, executive function, attention, physical activity levels, physical performance and muscle strength of limbs at baseline, 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) after randomisation. A linear mixed-effects model was adopted for data analyses after controlling for covariates. Tukey’s method was used for adjusting for multiple comparisons. Sensitivity analyses were performed after excluding individuals with low compliance rates.
Increasing observational and experimental trial data have shown that mental stress can lead to an increase in adverse clinical cardiovascular events. Mental stress affects the heart by inducing ischaemia and precipitating myocardial infarction (MI) or direct myocardial injury. Mental stress leads to systemic inflammation. Inflammation is known to cause rapid atheromatous plaque progression, instability and thrombosis—the classic type 1 MI. Inflammation can also lead to type 2 MI or myocarditis and injury. The published data linking systemic inflammation, mental stress and cardiovascular disease will be reviewed to establish the linkage between mind and heart, thereby highlighting the importance of holistically managing the patient, not only addressing separate organ systems. Finally, recent trial evidence showing the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in cardiovascular and mental conditions will be briefly considered.