Brain Health Biomarkers

Treating depression is a formidable challenge since individuals vary in their responses to first-line treatments. The complex nature of depression and the lack of understanding of its underlying mechanisms make treatment options like medication and cognitive therapy inconsistent in their success. This leads to a time-consuming and frustrating process of trying multiple interventions, as predicting an individual's response remains a challenge.

Biological markers (biomarkers) have recently emerged as promising tools in predicting the response to depression treatment. At the eBrain Lab, we investigate biomarker measures using electroencephalography (EEG), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and EEG combined. In collaboration with the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND), we are actively seeking new biomarkers to predict responses to treatments for depression including pharmacological, cognitive, and brain stimulation therapeutics. By investigating these biomarkers, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of depression and to tailor treatment approaches accordingly.