The use of rapid-rate transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in refractory depressed patients

Rapid-rate transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) allows for the noninvasive examination of the cerebral cortex. Recent studies have begun to investigate whether rTMS may be therapeutic for the treatment of depression. In the present study, the authors report on the safety and efficacy of rTMS in treating 50 patients with refractory depression. Overall, there were 21 responders (42%). Interestingly, 56% of the young patients responded, but only 23% of the elderly patients responded to rTMS. Overall, rTMS was well tolerated in all patients. Specifically, no patient developed a new onset of seizures during rTMS. The authors discuss the extant literature on rTMS for the treatment of depression along with future areas of research.