Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on anhedonia in treatment resistant major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background: Anhedonia is one of the defining features of depression but it remains difficult to target and treat. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a proven treatment for depression, but its effects on anhedonia and whether anhedonia can be used as a predictive biomarker of response is not well known. Methods: Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale was administered to patients with depression before and after a standard course of TMS in a naturalistic outpatient setting. Results: 144 patients were analyzed. There was an overall significant improvement in anhedonia from pre- to post-treatment (7.69 ± 3.88 vs. 2.96 ± 3.45; p