Weekly transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) maintenance: a case series

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, relapsing condition.
• Maintaining remission in MDD patients is a significant clinical challenge.
• Continuation transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may offer a novel therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of sustained, once-weekly continuation TMS in maintaining remission for patients with MDD.
• To assess the long-term outcomes of continuation TMS in a cohort of patients with chronic, relapsing MDD.

Main Methods:

• An observational case series study was conducted.
• Seven patients with chronic relapsing MDD received once-weekly TMS treatments.
• Patients were followed for over 6 or 12 months, with remission assessed using the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D6).

Main Results:

• All seven patients remained clinically well throughout the study period.
• Four patients who entered remission were maintained in remission or partial remission.
• Three patients who entered with partial remission/relapse remained free of clinical depression.

Conclusions:

• Once-weekly continuation TMS appears effective in maintaining remission and preventing relapse in patients with MDD.
• The findings suggest that continuation TMS is a viable strategy for long-term MDD management.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these promising real-world outcomes.