[Brain stimulation procedures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy and deep brain...

Brain stimulation methods are promising treatment options in severe treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. A safe and noninvasive method is transcranial magnetic stimulation, but the clinical application is not clear. Magnetic seizure therapy is a further development of transcranial magnetic stimulation, by which generalized seizures are induced under anaesthesia. Previous results with regard to the antidepressant effects and the fewer cognitive side effects were significant. Deep brain stimulation is an invasive procedure in which electrodes are stereotactically implanted in special brain areas. The effects in severe therapy-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorders and depressions are promising. However, the evaluation of ethical issues remains an important task.