Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Monika Klírová1,2, Andrej Stančák1,3, Tomáš Novák1,2
1National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany.
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) shows promise for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Further large trials are needed to optimize protocols and confirm long-term benefits for this promising intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging intervention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Existing evidence supports rTMS safety and efficacy, but inconsistent study designs and protocols impede guideline development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To identify challenges and future directions for rTMS in OCD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses on rTMS for OCD.
- Analysis of current rTMS protocols, efficacy data, and emerging treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Moderate efficacy suggested by smaller trials and meta-analyses for various rTMS targets.
- Accelerated protocols may offer faster response, but evidence is limited.
- Personalized and integrated treatment approaches, combining rTMS with other therapies, show promise.
Conclusions:
- rTMS is a promising adjunctive treatment for OCD.
- Large, well-designed trials are needed to determine optimal parameters and long-term outcomes.
- Personalized targeting and integration into broader therapeutic strategies may improve rTMS efficacy in OCD.
