A Multisite, 6-Month, Open-Label Study of Maintenance Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Adolescents with...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows promise for treating adolescents with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
• The long-term durability of TMS benefits in this population remains uncertain.
• This study investigates the efficacy and feasibility of TMS retreatment in adolescents with TRD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the durability of TMS treatment in adolescents with TRD over a 6-month period.
• To assess the effectiveness of TMS retreatment for adolescents experiencing partial relapse.
• To determine the safety and tolerability of TMS retreatment protocols.

Main Methods:

• Adolescents (12-21 years) with TRD and partial response to TMS were enrolled.
• Partial relapse was defined by a Clinical Global Impression-Severity score increase.
• Retreatment involved daily 10 Hz TMS sessions until symptom return to baseline or 30 sessions.

Main Results:

• Of 66 enrolled, 41 completed the 6-month study; 28 participants (42%) received TMS retreatment.
• The complete sample showed reduced depressive symptoms at 6 months (mean HAMD24: 5.24) compared to follow-up baseline (mean HAMD24: 8.21).
• Higher baseline depressive severity correlated with relapse risk; prior TMS interventions did not.

Conclusions:

• This is the largest long-term follow-up study on TMS retreatment for adolescents with TRD.
• Findings support the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of a TMS retreatment protocol.
• TMS was well-tolerated, indicating its potential as a sustained treatment option.