Role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in maintenance treatment of resistant depression

Abstract

Troublesome side-effects and lack of efficacy of the pharmacotherapy are the two major limitations in the depression treatment. Inspite of the established modalities like switching, combination and augmentation, using pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents, nearly one-third patients do not achieve complete remission. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is one such somatic treatment which has been extensively studied for treatment for acute depression. Drop-out rates due to adverse effects have been found to be extremely low. However, literature regarding the role of rTMS in maintenance treatment in recurrent depression is scarce, and there is no existing literature from India. In this case-report we highlight the role of rTMS in the maintenance treatment of TRD in a patient who has been followed up for about three years (four episodes). Emphasis is placed on improvement in symptoms and functioning without use of any pharmacological treatment. Further, the need for systematic study and standardization of various aspects of rTMS therapy for maintenance treatment is emphasised.

Keywords

• Antidepressants
• functioning
• maintenance
• repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
• side-effects
• treatment resistant depression