Review of the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-traumatic stress disorder.
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition with significant morbidity and limited treatment options. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for mental illnesses including major depressive disorder.


OBJECTIVE
Review effectiveness of TMS for PTSD.


METHODS
Literature review with descriptions of primary studies as well as meta-analysis of studies with a control group.


RESULTS
Eight primary studies were identified and three studies met criteria for meta-analysis. All studies suggest effectiveness of TMS for PTSD. Additionally, right-sided may be more effective than left-sided treatment, there is no clear advantage in high versus low frequency, and the treatment is generally well tolerated. Meta-analysis shows significant effect size on PTSD symptoms that may be correlated with total number of stimulations.


CONCLUSIONS
TMS for PTSD appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment that warrants additional study to further define treatment parameters, course, and side effects.
Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA. Electronic address: Ethan.Karsen@hitchcock.org.
Ethan F
EF
Karsen
Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs National Center for Patient Safety, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.
Bradley V
BV
Watts
Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA; Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA.
Paul E
PE
Holtzheimer
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Post-traumatic stress disorder; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation