Pattern of Compliance and Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol for Treatingmajordepressivedisorderamongtreatment Participants and Completers: A Report From Iran Publisher



Alaghbandrad J¹ ; Motamed M¹ ; Khazaeipour Z² ; Farhadbeigi P³ Show Affiliations
Source: Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Published:2023

Abstract

Introduction: Since the introduction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) intervention in 2008, a breakthrough has been made in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). However, many sessions of treatment and its cost make it inconvenient for those who seek treatment, especially in large cities as well as in developing countries. Methods: A total of 22 patients (out of initial 24 referrals) who met diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition (DSM IV) criteria for MDD were enrolled in the study. All subjects had to fail at least one prior treatment for depression. The patients received the FDA-approved protocol of high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Results: Seventeen out of twenty-two cases showed significant improvements after two weeks of treatment. Only six patients continued their treatments for the next two to four weeks. Conclusion: We have replicated other studies showing that the use of rTMS is effective for many patients with MDD without major side effects and their improvements are measurable mostly after two weeks. Our data highlight the importance of the application of more convenient protocols that require fewer sessions on fewer days to help with compliance and outcome, particularly in large populated cities and countries, such as Iran going through economic hardship. © 2023 Iran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.