Renée Morey ,Saxby Pridmore,Tamara May ,
Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is Reduced by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Neurology and Neurobiology
2020
2613-7828
http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.NNB.2020.01.03
https://www.sciencerepository.org/anhedonia-in-major-depressive-disorder_NNB-2020-1-103 
Abstract: Background: TMS is effective in the treatment of MDD. It is time and resource intensive and there is not
means of predicting the eventual outcome of a course.
Objective: To determine whether the change in subjective anhedonia from pre- to mid-treatment is an
indicator of the eventual outcome.
Methods: Naturalistic study – before and on completion of the course, the six-item Hamilton Depression
Rating Scale (HAMD6) and a complementary six-item visual analogue scale (VAS6), with a further VAS6
administered after 10 treatments. Change in subjective anhedonia (pre- minus mid-treatment VAS6 Item 2
scores) assessed as predictor of outcome.
Results: Change in subjective anhedonia predicted the ultimate outcome (post-treatment HAMD6 total
score).
Conclusions: A replication study is justified. Change in subjective outcome may predict the outcome of
treatment – potentially alerting to the need to modify the treatment strategy for optimal effect.Keywords: Major depressive disorder, transcranial magnetic stimulation, anhedonia