title: Transcranial magnetic stimulation is effective in the treatment of relapse of depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this preliminary report is to demonstrate the efficacy of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of relapsed major depressive disorder (MDD) patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients with major depressive disorder who were successfully treated with rTMS received a second course of rTMS treatment. Patients were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale &#45 21 items, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Global Depression Scale and the Global Assessment Scale in both trials. The statistical analysis was performed with paired t-tests and chi squares.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinical ratings demonstrated a significant improvement at the end of both trials. No significant differences were found between the ratings at the end of the treatment courses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  rTMS was successfully used in the treatment of relapsed MDD patients who had previously responsed to rTMS. ( Int J Psych Clin Pract 2000; 4: 223 - 226).
authors.affiliation: Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Dannon
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.forename: O T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Dolberg
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shemer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grunhaus
keywords: Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Relapse Ect Major Depressive Disorder