rTMS in the treatment of major depression: Challenges and new directions

Gabriel A. De Erausquin, Lucía Alba-Ferrara

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

We review the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the treatment of depression, with special attention to predictors of rTMS outcome, imaging-based targeting, and patterned rTMS or alternative stimulation parameters. We further discuss the use of maintenance rTMS to prevent relapse, as well as the use of rTMS as adjuvant treatment to pharmacotherapy and in special clinical situations (such as depression during pregnancy and the post-partum). From our brief discussion of existing methodology and clinical findings, it seems apparent that the use of rTMS for depression is still in its infancy. Further studies on optimum dosing schedules, targeting and dynamic adaptation, as well as on the most beneficial clinical indications (acceleration of response to other therapies, acute treatment, secondary prevention of relapsing disease), are likely to improve our understanding of patient selection and treatment delivery for epidemiological data suggest as the disease of the 21st century.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation
Subtitle of host publicationMethods, Clinical Uses and Effects on the Brain
PublisherNova Science Publishers, Inc.
Pages131-150
Number of pages20
ISBN (Print)9781626186798
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

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