This study investigates whether an additional treatment using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help severely depressed patients who did not respond well to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
All participants will first receive standard ECT treatment for depression, including brain scans (fMRI), psychological testing, clinical assessments, and the collection of blood and stool samples. If the ECT treatment is not effective, patients will be invited to participate in a second part of the study where they receive a 4-day course of accelerated TMS (20 sessions in total).
The study aims to assess whether this additional TMS treatment can reduce depressive symptoms. The study also explores how brain structure, genetics, and gut health may relate to treatment success. In total, 200 patients will be included.