Effect of a brief and focal protocol of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in patients with depression undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation by the Theta-burst method: clinical trial, randomized, evaluator blinded, controlled

• Grant number: 22/02539-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Leandro da Costa Lane Valiengo
• Grantee: Bruna Bariani Teixeira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psiquiatria Doutor Antonio Carlos Pacheco e Silva (IPq). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an established non-pharmacological procedure for the treatment of depression, with several meta-analyses demonstrating its effectiveness. The theta burst stimulation (TBS) method is a modification of the usual rTMS protocol, which provides cortical excitation by applying magnetic stimuli with frequencies greater than 5 Hz, with similar effectiveness but shorter session times than conventional TMS. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an approach with just over two decades (HAYES; STROSAHL; WILSON, 2021) that aims to increase psychological flexibility, which, in short, consists of being attentive and present (mindful) to the experiences of the moment without judgment and with acceptance. The patient, in this context, is encouraged to have behaviors consistent with their own values even when they experience feelings and thoughts that go against actions linked to such values. To date, there are no studies evaluating the effect of rTMS combined with ACT in the treatment of depression.