Baeken C, Brem AK, Arns M, Brunoni AR, Filipčić I, Ganho-Ávila A, Langguth B, Padberg F, Poulet E, Rachid F, Sack AT, Vanderhasselt MA, Bennabi D.
Purpose of review
After three decades of clinical research on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), major depressive disorder (MDD) has proven to be the primary field of application. MDD poses a major challenge for health systems worldwide, emphasizing the need for improving clinical efficacy of existing rTMS applications and promoting the development of novel evidence-based rTMS treatment approaches.
Recent findings
Several promising new avenues have been proposed: novel stimulation patterns, targets, and coils; combinatory treatments and maintenance; and personalization and stratification of rTMS parameters, and treatment of subpopulations.
Summary
This opinion review summarizes current knowledge in the field and addresses the future direction of rTMS treatment in MDD, facilitating the establishment of this clinical intervention method as a standard treatment option and continuing to improve response and remission rates, and take the necessary steps to personalize rTMS-based treatment approaches.
KEY POINTS
- rTMS has become an established tool to treat depression.
- To optimise response and remission rates, novel stimulation parameters and individualised treatment protocols are needed.
- The identification of personalized predictive factors may refine and improve the rTMS therapeutic potential.
Keywords
depression, efficacy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation