Deep TMS in a Resistant Major Depressive Disorder: a Brief Report

Journal: Depression and Anxiety 27 (5):464-469 (2010)

Authors: O Rosenberg, N Shoenfeld, A Zangen, M Kotler, P.N Dannon

Background:

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has proven effective. Recently, a greater intracranial penetration coil has been developed.

Objective:

The study tested the efficacy of the coil in the treatment of resistant major depression.

Methods:

The study sample included seven patients suffering from major depression who were treated using BrainsWay’s H1-coil connected to a Magstim rapid 2 stimulator. Deep TMS treatment was given to each patient in five sessions per week over a period of 4 weeks.Patients were treated with 120% intensity of the motor threshold and a frequency of 20 HZ with a total of 1,680 pulses per session.

Results:

A significant improvement in HDRS scores was found when high, but not low, stimulation intensity was used. Several cognitive improvements were evident, and no treatment-related serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

This study provides additional evidence for the feasibility and safety of the two H-coil designs (H1/H2). The H-coils offer a safe new tool with potential for both research and clinical applications for psychiatric and neurological disorders associated with dysfunctions of deep brain regions.

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