Authors' objectives:

This report assesses the available evidence for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Authors' recommendations: - Three out of 12 scientific studies found no clinical effects of rTMS on depressions. Seven studies reports clinical effects of limited magnitude (less than 50% reduction of depression measured by accepted instruments at the end of treatment). Two studies demonstrate a clinical response to treatment with rTMS (larger than 50% reduction in depression). - None of the studies document rTMS effects beyond the treatment period. - Two studies compares rTMS with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and these studies finds differences in favour of ECT. The patients were not followed after the treatment period. - The cost of ECT and rTMS treatment is comparable. - rTMS is well tolerated and has few side effects. - There is presently a lack of clinical documentation that justifies rTMS in widespread management of depressed patients.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nokc.no/

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Norway

Organisation Name: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Contact Address: Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;

Contact Name: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Contact Email: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Copyright: The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services