An update on the clinical use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression
Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an increasingly used treatment for patients with depression. The use of rTMS in depression is supported by over 20 years of clinical trials. There has been a significant increase in knowledge around the use of rTMS in recent years. Objective The aim of this paper was to review the use of rTMS in depression to provide an update for rTMS practitioners and clinicians interested in the clinical use of this treatment. Methods A targeted review of the literature around the use of rTMS treatment of depression with a specific focus on studies published in the last 3 years. Results High-frequency rTMS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an effective treatment for acute episodes of major depressive disorder. There are several additional methods of rTMS delivery that are supported by clinical trials and meta-analyses but no substantive evidence that any one approach is any more effective than any other. rTMS is effective in unipolar depression and most likely bipolar depression. rTMS courses may be repeated in the management of depressive relapse but there is less evidence for the use of rTMS in the maintenance phase. Conclusions The science around the use of rTMS is rapidly evolving and there is a considerable need for practitioners to remain abreast of the current state of this literature and its implications for clinical practice. rTMS is an effective antidepressant treatment but its optimal use shoul…
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a well-established treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
“Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a well-established treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).”
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- Authors
- Fitzgerald, P. B.
- Affiliations
- Epworth Hospital (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Fitzgerald, Paul B.
- ORCID
- Fitzgerald, Paul B.
- Venue
- Journal of Affective Disorders
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2020-11
- Volume
- 276
- Pages
- 90-103
- ISSN
- 0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3043165804
- Cited by
- 69
- References
- 16
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 1
- FWCI
- 0.87
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Health and Medical Research Council (1078567)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies
- Keywords
- repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, depression, major depressive disorder, high-frequency rTMS, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bipolar depression, depression relapse, maintenance therapy, antidepressant treatment
- MeSH terms
- Antidepressive Agents, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Humans, Treatment Outcome, Prefrontal Cortex, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
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