Resources and Research

Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Monitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler

Sukaina Rizvi1 and Ali M Khan2

Prefrontal TMS therapy repeated daily for four to six weeks is a neuromodulation technique approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients resistant to medications. This technique utilizes electromagnetic induction to excite neuronal cells. Several recent studies have enhanced our understanding of this novel treatment intervention. This report reviews recent studies on the mechanism of action, patient eligibility, effectiveness, and safety of TMS in treating depression.