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Conventional Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression: A Step-by-Step Protocol
Published on: November 21, 2025
rTMS for adolescents: Safety and efficacy considerations
Douglas D'Agati1, Yuval Bloch, Yechiel Levkovitz
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|April 13, 2010
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows promise for adolescent depression, with most young patients responding favorably. However, more research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this novel treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Major depressive disorder is a significant concern in adolescents.
- Existing antidepressant therapies for adolescent depression raise safety and efficacy questions.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is FDA-cleared for adult depression, prompting interest in its use for adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing English-language studies on rTMS in individuals under 18.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of rTMS for adolescent depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE database for studies using rTMS at frequencies >= 1 Hz.
- Inclusion of studies for psychiatric and non-psychiatric indications in subjects under 18.
- Analysis of 6 published reports involving 19 subjects under 18.
Main Results:
- Ten subjects received rTMS for major depression, five for spastic cerebral palsy, and four for epilepsia partialis continua.
- Most subjects demonstrated favorable responses to rTMS treatment.
- No adverse events were reported in the reviewed studies.
Conclusions:
- Current data on rTMS for adolescent depression are insufficient to establish definitive safety and efficacy.
- Further research is warranted to explore rTMS as a potential treatment for adolescent depression.
