Cited by 29Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation StudiesTreatment of Major DepressionElectromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects

Treatment of depression with low-strength transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields: A mechanistic point of view

van Belkum, S.M., Bosker, F.J., Kortekaas, R., Beersma, D.G.M., Schoevers, R.A.·2016·Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

Abstract

Background Mood disorders constitute a high burden for both patients and society. Notwithstanding the large arsenal of available treatment options, a considerable group of patients does not remit on current antidepressant treatment. There is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment strategies. Recently, low-strength transcranial pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF) stimulation has been purported as a promising strategy for such treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The mode of action of this new technique is however largely unknown.Methods We searched PubMed for literature reports on the effects of tPEMF and for information regarding its working mechanism and biological substrate.Results Most studies more or less connect with the major hypotheses of depression and concern the effects of tPEMF on brain metabolism, neuronal connectivity, brain plasticity, and the immune system. Relatively few studies paid attention to the possible chronobiologic effects of electromagnetic fields.Limitations We reviewed the literature of a new and still developing field. Some of the reports involved translational studies, which inevitably limits the reach of the conclusions.Conclusion Weak magnetic fields influence divergent neurobiological processes. The antidepressant effect of tPEMF may be specifically attributable to its effects on local brain activity and connectivity.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.07.006

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  • TMS and tDCS are appealing for their potential to target specific anatomic regions and thereby alter network functionality more precisely than chemical neuromodulators.

    “Optimal targets and protocols remain an active area of research, but these interventions are appealing for their potential to target specific anatomic regions and thereby alter network functionality more precisely than chemical neuromodulators129.”

    From Paying attention to attention in depression (2019) · cites this paper as [129]

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Authors
van Belkum, S. M., Bosker, F. J., Kortekaas, R., Beersma, D. G. M., & Schoevers, R. A.
Affiliations
  • University Medical Center Groningen (NL)
  • University of Groningen (NL)
Venue
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2016-11
Volume
71
Pages
137-143
ISSN
0278-5846 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2506843765
Cited by
29
References
115
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 1
FWCI
0.23
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • UMCG Innovation Fund (U-11-221)
  • Fonds NutsOhra (1103–068)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biophysics › Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects
Keywords
treatment-resistant depression, antidepressant mechanism, brain metabolism, neuronal connectivity, neuroplasticity, chronobiology, electromagnetic fields, mood disorders
MeSH terms
Brain, Depression, Humans, PubMed, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

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