The experience with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as add-on treatment in the elderly with depression: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Elderly depression is a fairly common and often difficult to treat condition. Elderly patients also often have comorbid medical conditions that preclude the use of other somatic treatment modalities. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment methodology that is approved to be used in depression and is supposed to have fewer side-effects. This paper describes the experience of a recently started rTMS service in a tertiary hospital in North India with referred elderly patients suffering from depression. Methods: Results of rTMS therapy administered to 7 elderly patients who were referred during this period are described. Results: Only one patient with bipolar depression perceived significant benefit from rTMS. Three patients complained of mild and transient side-effects, and one patient discontinued treatment due to his medical condition (unrelated to rTMS). Conclusions: rTMS seems to be safe and well-tolerated in this population. However, further experience is needed before commenting definitely on effectiveness of this treatment modality.

Keywords

• Depression
• geriatric
• repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation