A clinical repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation service in Australia: 6 years on.
OBJECTIVE
There is considerable research evidence for the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression. However, there is little information about its acceptability and outcomes in clinical settings.


METHODS
This naturalistic study reports on a clinical repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation service that has been running in Adelaide, South Australia (SA), for 6 years. During this time, 214 complete acute courses were provided to patients with treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder. Patients received either sequential bilateral or right unilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment involving either 18 or 20 sessions given over 6 or 4 weeks respectively. Data included patient demographic details, duration of depression, and medication at the beginning of their repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation course. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.


RESULTS
Of those undergoing a first-time acute treatment course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (N = 167), 28% achieved remission, while a further 12% met the criteria for a response to treatment. Most patients (N = 123, 77%) had previously been treated with five or more antidepressant medications, and 77 (47%) had previously received electroconvulsive therapy. Referral rates remained high over the 6 years, indicating acceptance of the treatment by referring psychiatrists. There were no significant adverse events, and the treatment was generally well tolerated. In all, 41 patients (25%) had a second course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and 6 (4%) patients had a third course; 21 patients subsequently received maintenance repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
This naturalistic study showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was well accepted by both psychiatrists and patients, and has good efficacy and safety. Furthermore, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can provide a useful treatment alternative as part of outpatient mental health services for people with depression.
The Adelaide Clinic, Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health Services, Adelaide, SA, Australia Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia cherrie.galletly@adelaide.edu.au.
Cherrie A
CA
Galletly
The Adelaide Clinic, Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health Services, Adelaide, SA, Australia Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Patrick
P
Clarke
The Adelaide Clinic, Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health Services, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Benjamin L
BL
Carnell
The Adelaide Clinic, Ramsay Health Care (SA) Mental Health Services, Adelaide, SA, Australia Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia South Australian Psychiatry Training Committee, Central Adelaide Local Health Network - Mental Health Directorate, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Shane
S
Gill
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D061218:Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013021:South Australia; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; depression; mood disorder; neurostimulation; treatment-resistant