Theta Burst Stimulation for Refractory Depression in Autism Spectrum Disorder

All TBS sessions will be delivered at the same site, intensity (up to 90% RMT), pattern and duration. Treatment conditions differ only in the amount of intracranial activation induced (i.e., negligible activation in sham condition). TBS sessions consist of triplet 50 Hz bursts repeated every 200 msec (5 Hz), delivered to the left DLPFC in an intermittent (2 seconds on/8 seconds off) pattern for a total of 600 pulses per session; duration of 3 minutes 9 seconds.

We will use a robust sham technique that suitably replicates the sensory experience (auditory and peripheral activation) of active TBS with minimal intracranial activation. The Magstim Horizon™ sham coil will be utilized for treatment delivery. This sham coil is visually identical to the active coil and replicates the sounds and sensation of the magnetic stimulation. All sham treatment will be delivered at the same site, intensity (up to 90% RMT), pattern and duration. Treatment conditions differ only in the amount of intracranial activation induced (i.e., negligible activation in sham condition). TBS sessions consist of triplet 50 Hz bursts repeated every 200 msec (5 Hz), delivered to the left DLPFC in an intermittent (2 seconds on/8 seconds off) pattern for a total of 600 pulses per session; duration of 3 minutes 9 seconds