2.4. Subjects
thrombosis, hemophilia, depressive disorder, blood clotting disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, DSM-5
THROMBOSIS, BRAIN TUMOR, HEMOPHILIA, BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS, BRAIN ANEURYSM
The inclusion criteria for participants were as follows (in order to obtain a homogenous sample): (1) must be aged 18 or over; (2) must be able to understand/read Chinese; (3) must possess a HAM-D-17 score of ≥8; and (4) must be able to provide written informed consent. All subjects undertook the screening procedures to ensure the eligibility.Exclusion criteria included individuals who (1) had a DSM-5 diagnosis other than major depressive disorder (e.g., bipolar affective disorder or schizophrenia); (2) possessed an alcohol or substance dependence; (3) had a concomitant unstable major medical conditions or major neurological conditions, such as brain tumor, brain aneurysm, etc.; (4) had hemophilia or other blood clotting disorders or thrombosis; (5) possessed significant communicative impairments; (6) possessed a metal implant in the brain or in a treated area of the head; (7) undertook corticosteroid treatment within the last six weeks before the first TPS treatment; and (8) were pregnant or breastfeeding women.Prior to participation, the principal investigator had conducted a phone interview with all eligible subjects enquiring about their physical and mental health history to ensure that no subjects with identifiable risks were included in this trial.