Double-blind controlled investigation of bilateral prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of resistant major depression.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of bilateral prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating resistant major depression were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Nineteen medication-resistant depressed subjects were randomly assigned to 3 weeks of active or sham rTMS. Effects on mood and neuropsychological function were assessed.


RESULTS
Both groups improved significantly in mood over the 3 weeks, but there was no significant difference between active and sham treatments. There were no significant neuropsychological effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral rTMS was not superior to sham in treating resistant depression in this pilot study, but caused no neuropsychological impairment.
Loo
C K
CK
Department of Psychiatry, Mood Disorders Unit, Black Dog Institute and Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia.
Mitchell
P B
PB
Croker
V M
VM
Malhi
G S
GS
Wen
W
W
Gandevia
S C
SC
Sachdev
P S
PS
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents