The Antidepressant Effects of rTMS After Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion Criteria:

1. First-time ischemic stroke with clinical and MRI or CT findings of basal ganglia ischemic stroke and a diagnosis of depression due to stroke based on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) and The International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10-CM code 293.83[F06.32]);

2. Aged 25-75 years with a recent (from 3 weeks to 3 months) ischemic stroke;

3. Clear signs of neurological deficits in the acute phase;

4. Clear consciousness;

5. Right-handedness.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Aphasia or severe cognitive impairment, severe hearing impairment, or severe language comprehension deficits due to other causes;

2. Other cerebral diseases such as Parkinson's disease, encephalitis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, head injury, ect.;

3. Severe systemic disease or ongoing neoplasia;

4. Ongoing post-operative recovery;

5. Prior history of depressive disorders or major trauma within 1 year, severe depression or any other severe mental disorders;

6. Current or prior antidepressant use for any reason;

7. Addiction to drugs, alcohol or other substances;

8. Contraindications of MRI scan and rTMS treatment such as pacemaker implantation, a history of epilepsy, major head trauma, and seizures, ect;

9. Pregnant or breast-feeding women;

10. Participation in other clinical research projects;

11. Refusal to sign informed consent of this study.