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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating medication-resistant depression in Taiwan: a preliminary
Chih-Chia Huang1, Tung-Ping Su, I-Hua Wei
1Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
We conducted an open trial to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in medication-resistant depression. This is the first study in Taiwan of rTMS for the treatment of depression.
Methods:
A 2-week regimen of rTMS (100% of motor threshold, 5 Hz, 8 sec, 40 trains/20 min/day, 10 weekdays) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was administered to 11 patients with medication-resistant depression.
Results:
Ten subjects completed 2 weeks' treatment with rTMS. Scores on the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D21) and Beck Depression Inventory decreased by 48% and 28%, respectively. Five patients were clinical responders (> or = 50% reduction in HAM-D21 score): 2 of these were in complete remission (HAM-D21 score < or = 7). Five patients were less responsive: 2 of these were partial responders (20-49% reduction in HAM-D21 score), whereas 3 did not improve. Younger versus older age was identified as a potential predictor of response to rTMS used as add-on therapy.
Conclusion:
Our preliminary results indicate that rTMS can improve mood in patients with medication-resistant depression, and can also potentially replace electroconvulsive therapy for certain types of medication-resistant depression. Future double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of rTMS are warranted.
