Frontiers in Psychiatry (Dec 2023)

Stanford neuromodulation therapy for treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review

  • Xian-Jun Lan,
  • Dong-Bin Cai,
  • Qi-Man Liu,
  • Zhen-Juan Qin,
  • Saxby Pridmore,
  • Wei Zheng,
  • Yu-Tao Xiang,
  • Yu-Tao Xiang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1290364
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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ObjectiveThis systematic review of randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and observational studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of stanford neuromodulation therapy (SNT) for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).MethodsA systematic search (up to 25 September, 2023) of RCTs and single-arm prospective studies was conducted.ResultsOne RCT (n = 29) and three single-arm prospective studies (n = 34) met the study entry criteria. In the RCT, compared to sham, active SNT was significantly associated with higher rates of antidepressant response (71.4% versus 13.3%) and remission (57.1% versus 0%). Two out of the three single-arm prospective studies reported the percentage of antidepressant response after completing SNT, ranging from 83.3% (5/6) to 90.5% (19/21). In the three single-arm prospective studies, the antidepressant remission rates ranged from 66.7% (4/6) to 90.5% (19/21). No severe adverse events occurred in all the four studies.ConclusionThis systematic review found SNT significantly improved depressive symptoms in patients with TRD within 5 days, without severe adverse events.

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