[Vagus nerve stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of depressive disorders].
Affective disorders, especially major depression, are the most common psychiatric disorders. Although well treatable, a number of patients do not or do not sufficiently respond to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Therefore there is a need for safe and efficient alternative therapeutic strategies. Neurostimulatory therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation belong to these alternatives. In this article we review their mechanisms of action and summarize efficacy and adverse effects.
Bajbouj
M
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. malek.bajbouj@charite.de
Heuser
I
I
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents