Frontiers in Psychiatry (Feb 2023)

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for children and adolescents with first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder: A systematic review

  • Wei Zheng,
  • Xian-Jun Lan,
  • Zhen-Juan Qin,
  • Xin-Hu Yang,
  • Zhan-Ming Shi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1111754
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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ObjectiveThis systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the therapeutic effects and safety of active low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) versus sham LF-rTMS in children and adolescent patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed, and data were extracted by two independent researchers. The coprimary outcomes were study-defined response and remission.ResultsA systematic search of the literature yielded 442 references, of which 3 RCTs (130 children and adolescents with FEDN MDD, 50.8% male, and mean age range from 14.5 to 17.5 years) met the inclusion criteria. Among the two RCTs (66.7%, 2/3) examining the effects of LF-rTMS on study-defined response and remission and cognitive function, active LF-rTMS was more efficacious than sham LF-rTMS in terms of study-defined response rate and cognitive function (all p < 0.05) but not regarding study-defined remission rate (all p > 0.05). No significant group differences were found with regard to adverse reactions. None of the included RCTs reported the dropout rate.ConclusionThese findings preliminarily found that LF-rTMS could benefit children and adolescents with FEDN MDD in a relatively safe manner, although further studies are warranted.

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