An Open-Label, Prospective Study of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Depression

Abstract

Repeated rTMS applications have demonstrated a reproducible antidepressant effect in patients with refractory depression who initially showed a clinically significant benefit. The duration of effect varied across patients, but benefits were sustained for a mean of nearly 5 months. Further studies with larger cohorts will be useful in determining the long-term effectiveness of rTMS maintenance therapy.