Advances in intermittent theta-burst stimulation for adolescent depression
10.3760/cma.j.cn113661-20241231-00453
- VernacularTitle:间歇性θ波短阵快速脉冲经颅磁刺激治疗青少年抑郁症的研究进展
- Author:
Jingjing WEI
1
;
Yuqiong HE
1
;
Ou JIANJUN
1
;
Xilong CUI
1
;
Yanmei SHEN
1
;
Xueping GAO
1
Author Information
1. 中南大学湘雅二医院精神病学科 国家精神心理疾病临床医学研究中心 国家精神疾病医学中心，长沙 410011
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Depressive disorder;
Adolescent;
Intermittent theta-burst stimulation;
Treatment mechanisms;
Target localization;
Treatment parameters
- From:
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry
2025;58(7):556-562
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Major depressive disorder in adolescents is a serious psychiatric condition characterized by profound impairment in psychosocial functioning. Its primary symptoms include low mood, irritability, and anhedonia. Although pharmacological treatments and psychotherapy are currently recommended as first-line treatments, their effectiveness is limited, and pharmacological treatments may carry the risk of increased suicidal ideation. Therefore, exploring new, effective, and safe treatment options is an urgent priority. In recent years, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a novel form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, has shown promising results in treating treatment-resistant depression in adults, drawing growing interest in its potential use in adolescents. iTBS modulates neural activity through magnetic stimulation of the cerebral cortex and has been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms, particularly when targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Given the high neuroplasticity of the adolescent brain during this critical developmental stage, adolescents may exhibit heightened sensitivity to iTBS, resulting in more enduring neuroregulatory effects. Research highlights the importance of precise targeting and individualized adjustment of stimulation intensity for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) protocols have demonstrated faster clinical effects in treating acute or severe depression in adolescents, improving treatment adherence and partially mitigating suicidal tendencies. This review summarizes recent progress in the application of iTBS in adolescent depression, with a focus on its mechanisms, treatment parameters, and related research. The goal is to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the clinical application of iTBS in adolescent depression care.
