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Weekly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) maintenance: a case series
Marzena Rybak1, Gregory M Peterson2, Saxby Pridmore3
1Hobart TMS, Bellerive, Tasmania, Australia.
Objectives:
To report an observational case series study of sustained, once-weekly continuation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provided with the aim of maintaining remission in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Methods:
Once-weekly TMS treatments were provided to 7 patients (median age of 54 years) with chronic relapsing MDD: 4 of these patients entered the study in remission according to the six-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D6) and were followed for more than 12 months, and 3 patients entered the study in HAM-D6 partial remission/relapse and were followed for more than 6 months.
Results:
All patients remained clinically well throughout the study. The 4 patients who entered in remission were maintained in HAM-D6 remission or partial remission. The 3 patients who entered the study in HAM-D6 partial remission/relapse were maintained free of clinical depression.
Conclusions:
Seven patients with a history of relapsing MDD were provided with once-weekly continuation TMS and remained free of clinical relapse for more than 6 or 12 months. While the study had a small sample size, the clear, real-world outcomes warrant further investigation.
