Efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression

We examined the efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in 419 patients with treatment-resistant depression. The patients received daily sessions of rTMS over the left prefrontal cortex as an adjuvant to pharmacotherapy. The rTMS intensity was set at 100% of the motor threshold and 25 Hz stimulation, with train duration of 2 seconds delivered at 30-second intervals. A full course comprised 1000 magnetic pulses. Depression was rated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) before and after treatment. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in the HAMD score. Patients with HAMD scores of less than 8 were considered to be in remission. The mean HAMD score for the study group decreased from 22.59 ± 5.92 to 10.50 ± 5.83 (P < .001). After the treatment period, 268 (64%) out of 419 patients demonstrated significant mood improvements, as indexed by a reduction of more than 50% on the HAMD score. In addition, 140 patients (33.4%) attained remission (HAMD score <8); and 11 patients achieved a partial response. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported. In conclusion, high-frequency (25 Hz) rTMS was well tolerated and found to be statistically and clinically effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression. This study contributed to the existing evidence of the antidepressant effect of rTMS in the treatment of depression.