title: [Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as an adjuvant method in the treatment of depression: preliminary results].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a method of brain stimulation which is increasingly used in both clinical practice and research. Up-to-date studies have pointed out a potential antidepressive effect of rTMS, but definitive superiority over placebo has not yet been confirmed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to examine the effect of rTMS as an adjuvant treatment with antidepressants during 18 weeks of evaluation starting from the initial application of the protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients with the diagnosis of moderate/severe major depression were included in the study.The protocol involved 2000 stimuli per day (rTMS frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 120% motor threshold) administered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 15 days. Subjective and objective depressive symptoms were measured before the initiation of rTMS and repeatedly evaluated at week 3, 6, 12 and 18 from the beginning of the stimulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After completion of rTMS protocol two patients demonstrated a reduction of depressive symptoms that was sustained throughout the 15-week follow-up period. One patient showed a tendency of remission during the first 12 weeks of the study, but relapsed in week 18. One patient showed no significant symptom reduction at any point of follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary findings suggest that rTMS has a good tolerability and can be efficient in accelerating the effect of antidepressants, particularly in individuals with shorter duration of depressive episodes and moderate symptom severity.
authors.forename: Milica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jovicić
authors.forename: Sasa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Radovanović
authors.forename: Nadja P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Marić
authors.forename: Vladimir
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kostić
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents