ABPN Psychiatry and Neurology Exam 2025 – Complete Practice Test Prep

The correct answer focuses on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as the primary target for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of major depressive disorder. This area is associated with mood regulation and cognitive control, and significant research has established that it plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of depression.

When using TMS, practitioners often start with brain mapping techniques to identify optimal stimulation sites. The left DLPFC is generally chosen because studies have shown that stimulating this area can help alleviate symptoms of depression. The rationale is based on the observation that there is often reduced activity in the left DLPFC in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. By applying TMS to this area, the aim is to increase neuronal activity and improve mood.

Other regions, while they may play roles in mood regulation, are not the primary targets in TMS treatment protocols for major depressive disorder. The left cingulate gyrus, for instance, is involved in emotional processing, but it is not typically the main focus for TMS in the context of depression. The left parietal lobe and right DLPFC are also less commonly targeted, as current evidence strongly supports the left DLPFC as the