Can transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) be adapted to better address anxiety symptoms in patients with depression?

In this episode of the neurocare Academy Podcast, Dr. Trevor Brown sits down with Dr. Shan H. Siddiqi, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, to discuss a groundbreaking randomized clinical trial investigating whether different TMS targets can influence anxiety and depression symptoms differently.

The conversation explores the growing field of precision psychiatry, where treatment selection is increasingly informed by brain circuits and symptom profiles rather than diagnosis alone. Dr. Siddiqi explains how his team's research identified a dorsomedial prefrontal cortex target that may improve anxiety symptoms more effectively in patients experiencing both depression and anxiety, while maintaining comparable antidepressant effects.

Beyond the study results, the discussion examines how these protocols can be implemented in everyday clinical practice, the role of neuronavigation and imaging-guided targeting, and why accumulating evidence from multiple studies is helping shape the future of personalized brain stimulation.

In this episode:

• Why anxiety and depression may involve distinct brain circuits.
• Findings from a randomized head-to-head TMS trial.
• The potential clinical relevance of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex target.
• Practical considerations for implementing new TMS targets in routine care.
• The future of biomarkers, patient stratification, and personalized neuromodulation.

Related publication:
Read the study in Molecular Psychiatry

The neurocare Academy Podcast features conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and innovators exploring the latest developments in neuroscience, neuromodulation, and evidence-based mental health care.

Join Dr. Trevor Brown as he interviews Dr. Joshua Brown, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, for an in-depth conversation on the latest advances in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neuroplasticity. Dr. Brown shares personal stories from his journey in neuroscience, reflects on the legacy of Dr. Nolan Williams, and discusses the mechanisms behind TMS, including the role of synaptic plasticity, protocol selection, and the importance of sleep and brain health in treatment outcomes.

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or someone interested in mental health innovation, this episode offers practical insights into optimizing TMS therapy, understanding individual differences, and the future of brain stimulation. Discover how neuroplasticity shapes learning, memory, and recovery - and why the field of TMS is on the brink of transformative change.

Topics covered:

• The legacy of Dr. Nolan Williams in TMS
• Dr. Brown’s career and research journey
• Neuroplasticity: what it means for clinicians and patients
• How TMS protocols are evolving
• The impact of sleep and lifestyle on treatment outcomes
• Advice for clinicians and patients
• Exciting new directions in TMS research

Subscribe for more interviews with leading experts in neuroscience and mental health.

From Laboratory to Clinic: The Evolving Landscape of tES Technologies,
with Professor Anrea Antal

Join us for an insightful conversation with Professor Andrea Antal, Vice President of the European Society for Brain Stimulation and a leading figure in non-invasive brain stimulation research. In this interview, Professor Antal shares her journey from early research in Hungary and the US to her current work at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany.

We discuss the evolution of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), the importance of safety and ethical guidelines, and the latest advances in personalized neuromodulation. Professor Antal also addresses the challenges and opportunities in making these treatments more accessible, the role of clinician oversight in home-based therapies, and the future of brain stimulation for conditions like cognitive decline and long COVID.

Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or simply interested in the future of neuroscience, this interview offers valuable perspectives on the responsible development and application of brain stimulation technologies.