Transcranial magnetic stimulation in mental health care

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is a neuromodulation therapy for psychiatric disorders, is not widely used in Norway. We aimed to investigate whether doctors in mental health care are familiar with and interested in the method, as well as the reasons for its limited use and the key factors required for its implementation.

An anonymous electronic survey questionnaire was distributed to all active members of the Norwegian Psychiatric Association in the autumn of 2022 (n = 1979), consisting of 484 specialty registrars and 1495 specialists. Respondents were asked to provide demographic data in the questionnaire and indicate their level of agreement with specific statements regarding TMS.

Of the 1979 potential respondents, 481 (24.3 %) completed the survey, 295 (61.3 %) of whom were women, 70 (14.6 %) were specialty registrars and 411 (85.4 %) were specialists. All health trusts were represented. A total of 236 out of 481 respondents (49.1 %) reported not being familiar with the modality, while 307 out of 376 (81.6 %) expressed a desire to learn more about it. The limited use of the method was attributed to it being relatively unknown (334/385, 86.8 %), insufficient training of doctors (321/383, 83.8 %) and uncertainty about patient selection for treatment (215/380, 56.6 %). For future implementation, 294/368 respondents (79.9 %) highlighted the need for national clinical guidelines and 299/371 (80.6 %) emphasised the importance of training for doctors.

The results suggest that doctors are interested in the modality but lack knowledge about it. To promote its implementation, the modality should be incorporated into psychiatric training.