title: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of quality of life outcome measures in clinical practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective and safe therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study assessed quality of life (QOL) and functional status outcomes for depressed patients after an acute course of TMS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two, U.S.-based, clinical TMS practice sites treated 307 outpatients with a primary diagnosis of MDD and persistent symptoms despite prior adequate antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Treatment parameters were based on individual clinical considerations and followed the labeled procedures for use of the approved TMS device. Patient self-reported QOL outcomes included change in the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) ratings from baseline to end of the acute treatment phase.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant improvement in functional status on a broad range of mental health and physical health domains was observed on the SF-36 following acute TMS treatment. Similarly, statistically significant improvement in patient-reported QOL was observed on all domains of the EQ-5D and on the General Health Perception and Health Index scores. Improvement on these measures was observed across the entire range of baseline depression symptom severity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data confirm that TMS is effective in the acute treatment of MDD in routine clinical practice settings. This symptom benefit is accompanied by statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported QOL and functional status outcomes.
authors.affiliation: 1 Psychiatric Clinical Research Center and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Center, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Philip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Janicak
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Dunner
authors.forename: Scott T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Aaronson
authors.forename: Linda L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: Terrence A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Boyadjis
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Brock
authors.forename: Ian A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lanocha
authors.forename: Hugh B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Solvason
authors.forename: Dafna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bonneh-Barkay
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Demitrack
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D019370:Observation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology