An endocrine perspective on the role of steroid hormones in the antidepressant treatment efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Evidence from recent meta-analyses indicates that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is moderately effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Individual differences in the susceptibility to TMS are suggested to underlie a significant portion of the variability in antidepressant efficacy observed in TMS trials. Interestingly, recent findings suggest a moderating role for steroid hormones in the antidepressant efficacy of TMS in women. Steroid hormones are known to have strong activational and organizational influences on the brain and may upregulate the efficacy of TMS by way of modulating cortical excitability in a sex-dependent manner. Here we propose that the measurement and manipulation of steroid hormones could be crucial steps in the development of successful individually based TMS protocols for the treatment of MDD.
Schutter
Dennis J L G
DJ
Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.schutter@uu.nl
van Honk
Jack
J
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013256:Steroids / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006728:Hormones; D013256:Steroids