Safety and Efficacy of Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol in Elderly Depressed Unipolar and Bipolar Patients

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Modulates Inflammation in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients: A Pilot Study

Vagal neurostimulation (VNS) is used for the treatment of epilepsy and major medical-refractory depression. VNS has neuropsychiatric functions and systemic anti-inflammatory activity. The objective of this study is to measure the clinical efficacy and impact of VNS modulation in depressive patients. Six patients with refractory depression were enrolled. Depression symptoms were assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating, and anxiety symptoms with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Plasmas were harvested prospectively before the implantation of VNS (baseline) and up to 4 years or more after continuous therapy. Forty soluble molecules were measured in the plasma by multiplex assays. Following VNS, the reduction in the mean depression severity score was 59.9% and the response rate was 87%. Anxiety levels were also greatly reduced. IL-7, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL13, CCL17, CCL22, Flt-1 and VEGFc levels were significantly lowered, whereas bFGF levels were increased (p values ranging from 0.004 to 0.02). This exploratory study is the first to focus on the long-term efficacy of VNS and its consequences on inflammatory biomarkers. VNS may modulate inflammation via an increase in blood-brain barrier integrity and a reduction in inflammatory cell recruitment. This opens the door to new pathways involved in the treatment of refractory depression.

Major depressive disorder: hypothesis, mechanism, prevention and treatment

Worldwide, the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasing annually, resulting in greater economic and social burdens. Moreover, the pathological mechanisms of MDD and the mechanisms underlying the effects of pharmacological treatments for MDD are complex and unclear, and additional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MDD still are needed. The currently widely accepted theories of MDD pathogenesis include the neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypothesis, cytokine hypothesis, neuroplasticity hypothesis and systemic influence hypothesis, but these hypothesis cannot completely explain the pathological mechanism of MDD. Even it is still hard to adopt only one hypothesis to completely reveal the pathogenesis of MDD, thus in recent years, great progress has been made in elucidating the roles of multiple organ interactions in the pathogenesis MDD and identifying novel therapeutic approaches and multitarget modulatory strategies, further revealing the disease features of MDD. Furthermore, some newly discovered potential pharmacological targets and newly studied antidepressants have attracted widespread attention, some reagents have even been approved for clinical treatment and some novel therapeutic methods such as phototherapy and acupuncture have been discovered to have effective improvement for the depressive symptoms. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the latest research on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of MDD, preventive approaches and therapeutic medicines, as well as the related clinical trials.

Short-term and long-term efficacy of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) has been developed, which has a shortened treatment period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term maintenance effects of aTMS in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

We systematically searched online databases for aTMS studies in patients with MDD published before February 2023 and performed a meta-analysis on the extracted data.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 before-and-after controlled studies were included. The findings showed that depression scores significantly decreased following the intervention (SMD = 1.80, 95% CI (1.31, 2.30), p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in antidepressant effectiveness between aTMS and standard TMS (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI (-1.62, 0.27), p = 0.16). Depression scores at follow-up were lower than those directly after the intervention based on the depression rating scale (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI (0.06, 0.37), p = 0.006), suggesting a potential long-term maintenance effect of aTMS. Subgroup meta-analysis results indicated that different modes of aTMS may have diverse long-term effects. At the end of treatment with the accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (arTMS) mode, depressive symptoms may continue to improve (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI (0.10, 0.49), I2 = 22%, p = 0.003), while the accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) mode only maintains posttreatment effects (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI (-0.45, 0.47), I2 = 66%, p = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with standard TMS, aTMS can rapidly improve depressive symptoms, but there is no significant difference in efficacy. aTMS may also have long-term maintenance effects, but longer follow-up periods are needed to assess this possibility.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This article is original and not under simultaneous consideration for publication. The study was registered on PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ) (number: CRD42023406590).

Bipolar Disorder Among Older Adults: Newer Evidence to Guide Clinical Practice

The term older-age bipolar disorder (OABD) refers to patients with bipolar disorder who are ages 50 and older. Research findings suggest important differences, including the attenuation of manic symptoms with age and the occurrence of multiple somatic comorbid conditions. Although the pharmacological treatment of OABD is fairly similar, adverse effects, somatic comorbidity, and drug-drug interactions are more common. Lithium is effective in treating OABD and may have the potential to be neuroprotective. Anticonvulsants and second-generation antipsychotics have a growing evidence supporting their use in treating OABD. Behavioral intervention can be a helpful adjunct to pharmacological treatment. Clinicians and health care systems need to be prepared to provide care and services to individuals with bipolar disorder throughout the life span. Although older adults have typically been excluded from bipolar disorder RCTs, emerging efforts organized by global advocates and harnessing teams of clinicians and scientists have the potential to advance care.

Real world efficacy and safety of various accelerated deep TMS protocols for major depression

There is growing interest in accelerated rTMS dosing regimens, wherein multiple sessions of rTMS are applied per day. This Phase IV study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and durability of various accelerated Deep TMS protocols used in clinical practice. Data were aggregated from 111 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at 4 sites. Patients received one of several accelerated Deep TMS protocols (2x/day, 3x/day, 5x/day, 10x/day). Self-assessment questionnaires (PHQ-9, BDI-II) and clinician-based rating scales (HDRS-21, MADRS) were collected. On average, accelerated TMS led to an 80.2% response and 50.5% remission rate in the first month based on the most rated scale for each patient. There was no significant difference between protocols (Response: 2x/day:89.6%; 3x/day:75%; 5x/day:81%; 10x/day:67.6%). Response occurred after 10 (3x/day), 20 (5x/day), and 31 sessions (10x/day) on average- all of which occur on day 3-4 of treatment. Of patients with longer term follow up, durability was found in 86.7% (n = 30; 60 days) and 92.9% (n = 14; 180 days). The protocols were well-tolerated with no reported serious adverse events. Accelerated Deep TMS protocols are found to be safe, effective therapeutic options for MDD. They offer treatment resistant patients a treatment option with a rapid onset of action and with long durability.

Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Major Depression: The Past, Present, and Future

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective and evidence-based therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. A conventional course of rTMS applies 20-30 daily sessions over 4-6 weeks. The schedule of rTMS delivery can be accelerated by applying multiple stimulation sessions per day, which reduces the duration of a treatment course with a predefined number of sessions. Accelerated rTMS reduces time demands, improves clinical efficiency, and potentially induces faster onset of antidepressant effects. However, considerable heterogeneity exists across study designs. Stimulation protocols vary in parameters such as the stimulation target, frequency, intensity, number of pulses applied per session or over a course of treatment, and duration of intersession intervals. In this article, clinician-researchers and neuroscientists who have extensive research experience in accelerated rTMS synthesize a consensus based on two decades of investigation and development, from early studies ("Past") to contemporaneous theta burst stimulation, a time-efficient form of rTMS gaining acceptance in clinical settings ("Present"). We propose descriptive nomenclature for accelerated rTMS, recommend avenues to optimize therapeutic and efficiency potential, and suggest using neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers to individualize treatment protocols ("Future"). Overall, empirical studies show that accelerated rTMS protocols are well tolerated and not associated with serious adverse effects. Importantly, the antidepressant efficacy of accelerated rTMS appears comparable to conventional, once daily rTMS protocols. Whether accelerated rTMS induces antidepressant effects more quickly remains uncertain. On present evidence, treatment protocols incorporating high pulse dose and multiple treatments per day show promise and improved efficacy.

Prognostic factors in major depressive disorder: comparing responders and non-responders to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a naturalistic retrospective chart review

AIM

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely utilized as an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with varying response rates. Factors associated with better treatment outcome remain scarce. This naturalistic retrospective chart review hopes to shed light on easily obtainable and measurable predictive factors for patients referred to rTMS.

METHODS

Protocol parameters, medication, rated scales, rTMS protocols, and treatment outcomes were reviewed for 196 patients with MDD who received rTMS at Saint Boniface Hospital between 2013 and 2019. Logistic regression and marginal effects were used to assess the different predictor variables for response (50% reduction or more on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D)) and remission (Ham-D of ≤7 by the last session).

RESULTS

HamD at 10 sessions was predictive of remission, and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) at 10 sessions was predictive of response to rTMS. Ham-D, SDS, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were predictive of remission and response by Beck Anxiety Inventory 20 sessions. High frequency rTMS had a similar response and remission rate to low frequency, but higher response rate to intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation with no difference in remission rate. Positive predictive factors of response were lower age and bupropion use. Negative predictive factors were antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or benzodiazepine use. For remission, antipsychotics or anticonvulsants use were negative predictors; bupropion use and higher resting motor threshold were positive predictors. Severity of depression as measured by baseline HamD was not associated with different probabilities of treatment success.

Adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for older patients with depression: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

We performed this systemic review to investigate the therapeutic potential and safety of adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) for older patients with depression.

METHODS

We included published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies targeting adjunctive aTMS for older patients with depression.

RESULTS

Two open-label self-controlled studies (n = 29) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The included studies reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-aTMS (all Ps < 0.05). One study reported a dropout rate of 10.5% (2/19). Mild headache was the most common adverse reaction.

CONCLUSION

The currently available evidence from two open-label self-controlled studies indicates that adjunctive aTMS is a safe and effective therapy for older patients with depression.

A transdiagnostic review of safety, efficacy, and parameter space in accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation

BACKGROUND

Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) is an emerging delivery schedule of repetitive TMS (rTMS). TMS is "accelerated" by applying two or more stimulation sessions within a day. This three-part review comprehensively reports the safety/tolerability, efficacy, and stimulation parameters affecting response across disorders.

METHODS

We used the PubMed database to identify studies administering aTMS, which we defined as applying at least two rTMS sessions within one day.

RESULTS

Our targeted literature search identified 85 aTMS studies across 18 diagnostic and healthy control groups published from July 2001 to June 2022. Excluding overlapping populations, 63 studies delivered 43,873 aTMS sessions using low frequency, high frequency, and theta burst stimulation in 1543 participants. Regarding safety, aTMS studies had similar seizure and side effect incidence rates to those reported for once daily rTMS. One seizure was reported from aTMS (0.0023% of aTMS sessions, compared with 0.0075% in once daily rTMS). The most common side effects were acute headache (28.4%), fatigue (8.6%), and scalp discomfort (8.3%), with all others under 5%. We evaluated aTMS efficacy in 23 depression studies (the condition with the most studies), finding an average response rate of 42.4% and remission rate of 28.4% (range = 0-90.5% for both). Regarding parameters, aTMS studies ranged from 2 to 10 sessions per day over 2-30 treatment days, 10-640 min between sessions, and a total of 9-104 total accelerated TMS sessions per participant (including tapering sessions). Qualitatively, response rate tends to be higher with an increasing number of sessions per day, total sessions, and total pulses.

DISCUSSION

The literature to date suggests that aTMS is safe and well-tolerated across conditions. Taken together, these early studies suggest potential effectiveness even in highly treatment refractory conditions with the added potential to reduce patient burden while also expediting response time. Future studies are warranted to systematically investigate how key aTMS parameters affect treatment outcome and durability.

Clinical and radiomic features for predicting the treatment response of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in major neurocognitive disorder: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Image-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown clinical effectiveness in senior adults with co-occurring depression and cognitive impairment, yet the imaging markers for predicting the treatment response are less investigated. In this clinical trial, we examined the efficacy and sustainability of 10 Hz rTMS for the treatment of depression and cognitive impairment in major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) patients and tested the predictive values of imaging-informed radiomic features in response to rTMS treatment. Fifty-five major NCD patients with depression were randomly assigned to receive a 3-week rTMS treatment of either active 10 Hz rTMS (n = 27) or sham rTMS (n = 28). Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was the predefined treatment target. Based on individual structural magnetic resonance imaging scans, surface-based analysis was conducted to quantitatively measure the baseline radiomic features of left DLPFC. Severity of depression, global cognition and the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level were evaluated at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-week follow-ups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age, higher baseline cognition and randomized group were associated with the remission of depression. Increased cortical thickness and gyrification in left DLPFC were the significant predictors of clinical remission and cognitive enhancement. A 3-week course of 10 Hz rTMS is an effective adjuvant treatment for rapid ameliorating depressive symptoms and enhancing cognitive function. Pre-treatment radiomic features of the stimulation target can predict the response to rTMS treatment in major NCD. Cortical thickness and folding of treatment target may serve as imaging markers to detect the responders. ChiCTR-IOR-16008191, registered on March 30, 2016.

Evidence and expert consensus based German guidelines for the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression

INTRODUCTION

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) offer a promising alternative to psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments for depression. This paper aims to present a practical guide for its clinical implementation based on evidence from the literature as well as on the experience of a group of leading German experts in the field.

METHODS

The current evidence base for the use of rTMS in depression was examined via review of the literature. From the evidence and from clinical experience, recommendations for the use of rTMS in clinical practice were derived. All members of the of the German Society for Brain Stimulation in Psychiatry and all members of the sections Clinical Brain Stimulation and Experimental Brain Stimulation of the German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Mental Health were invited to participate in a poll on whether they consent with the recommendations.

FINDINGS

Among rTMS experts, a high consensus rate could be identified for clinical practice concerning the setting and the technical parameters of rTMS treatment in depression, indications and contra-indications, the relation of rTMS to other antidepressive treatment modalities and the frequency and management of side effects.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in bipolar disorder: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is commonly used in unipolar depression; yet, its evidence in bipolar disorder (BD) is limited. We sought to review the evidence on the use of rTMS across the different stages of BD.

METHODS

MEDLINE database was systematically searched using the PubMed interface following the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) randomized clinical trials (RCTs), open-label studies, and case series; (ii) specific evaluation of the treatment outcomes using psychometric scales; (iii) clinical studies in adults; and (iv) articles in the English language. The systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020192788).

RESULTS

Thirty-one papers were included in the review. Most studies included participants diagnosed with a bipolar depressive episode (N = 24), have yielded mixed findings, and have yet to reach a consensus on the most effective rTMS protocol. Few studies examined the effect of rTMS during manic (N = 5) or mixed episode (N = 1), or as maintenance treatment (N = 1). The limited data thus far suggest rTMS to be relatively safe and well tolerated. Small sample sizes, heterogeneity among study designs, patients and control groups recruited, rTMS parameters, and outcome measures are among the most significant limitations to these studies.

CONCLUSION

The current data regarding the application of rTMS in BD patients remain limited. More adequately powered sham-controlled studies are required to verify its efficacy. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to also determine whether its effects extend to manic and mixed episodes, as well as its role in mood stabilization and amelioration of suicidal behavior.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and intravenous ketamine combination therapy for treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A case report

About a third of patients suffering from major depression develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intravenous ketamine have proven effective for the management of TRD, many patients remain refractory to treatment. We present the case of a patient suffering from bipolar TRD. The patient was referred to us after failure to respond to first-and second-line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. After minimal response to both rTMS and ketamine alone, we attempted a combination rTMS and ketamine protocol, which led to complete and sustained remission. Various comparable and complimentary mechanisms of antidepressant action of ketamine and rTMS are discussed, which support further study of this combination therapy. Future research should focus on the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of this novel approach.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder Comorbid with Huntington’s Disease: A Case Report

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare genetic disorder resulting in progressive neurodegeneration leading to motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. A high percentage of HD patients suffer from comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). We are not aware of any literature on the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating comorbid MDD in HD. We present the case of a 57-year-old man suffering from HD in which comorbid MDD was successfully treated with rTMS. Further work is required to better characterize the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of rTMS to treat comorbid MDD in HD.

Adverse events of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults with depression, a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

In the last decade, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been introduced as a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy for depression. Little is known, however, about (serious) adverse events (AE) of rTMS in older adults with a depression. In this article, we want to study what is known about (serious) AE of rTMS in older adults (>60 years) with late-life depression (LLD).

METHODS

A systematic search has been performed according to the PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, EMBase and PsycInfo. We have screened 622 articles for eligibility. Eleven studies, evaluating 353 patients in total, were included in this review.

RESULTS

AE were reported in 12.4% of the older adults with a LLD treated with rTMS, serious AE in 1.5%. Headache (6.9%) and discomfort at the stimulation site (2.7%) are the most commonly reported AE. Serious AE reported are: psychiatric hospitalization (three times), a combination of posterior vitreous detachment and retinal tear, and increased suicide ideation (both once).

CONCLUSIONS

rTMS in older adults with LLD was concluded overall to be safe due to the low frequency of AE reported in trials and observational studies. In case-reports, however, more serious AE have been described. To tailor use of rTMS in older adults with LLD, more research is needed in larger samples to optimize tolerance.

Elderly Bipolar Disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With more individuals reaching older ages, bipolar disorder is no longer a rare illness in the elderly. Despite the growing number of the older individuals with the illness, there are few studies that focus on bipolar disorder in the geriatric population leading to gaps in clinical knowledge and treatment. The aim of this study is therefore to increase understanding by summarizing the available literature on the epidemiology, symptomatology, comorbidities, and treatment recommendations in this cohort, as well as to suggest areas for future clinical and research focus.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of bipolar disorder is underestimated in the geriatric population. The illness maintains the main features observed in the other cohorts but it also has some specific characteristics in the older individuals. In this cohort, psychiatric and medical comorbidities tend to be the rule rather than the exception. Higher rates of cognitive impairments than age- and education-matched groups present across all of the illness phases. Treatment is more challenging in the elderly individuals due to higher rates of comorbidities and susceptibility to medication side effects. Two cohorts of older individuals with bipolar disorder can be recognized, those with symptoms that start earlier in life and those with late-life onset. Although the knowledge about elderly bipolar disorder is only slowly growing, it is increasingly recognized as an illness with unique features. More work is needed to improve diagnosis and to establish treatment guidelines.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder: basic principles and future directions

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and well-tolerated intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 150 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been carried out, and its efficacy has been confirmed in dozens of meta-analyses. Real world data has also confirmed the effectiveness of rTMS for MDD in clinical practice, with the most recent literature indicating response rates of 40-50% and remission rates of 25-30%. In this review, we first offer an historical perspective, followed by a review of basic principles, such as putative mechanisms, procedures and protocols, stimulation targets, efficacy and durability of response, side effects, and the placebo controversy. In the second part of this review, we first discuss solutions to increase accessibility to rTMS, such as modifications to treatment equipment, protocols and setting. We continue with possible means to further increase effectiveness, such as treatment personalization and extension. We conclude by addressing the scheduling issue, with accelerated rTMS (arTMS) as a possible solution.

Current clinical practice of electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatry, a German sample

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current clinical practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in German psychiatry. Case-based data (> 1.000.000 cases) were collected according to §21 of the German hospital remuneration law from January 2015 to December 2017. The study cohort comprises approximately 35-40% of the annual psychiatric cases and hospitals in Germany. Frequency of ECT and rTMS cases were investigated considering main diagnoses according to ICD-10 and treatment settings (inpatient vs. day-care). ECT cases with short-term hospitalization (≤ 4 days) were supposed to be maintenance ECT cases. A linear regression analysis was conducted to estimate trends in the use of ECT and rTMS. Different groups were compared using Chi-square tests. ECT and rTMS cases appear to increase in total during the observation period possibly due to facilities newly introducing ECT and rTMS but also to increased frequency of treatments. Both treatments were rarely performed in day-care settings (0.89% and 11.25%). ECT was performed in 1.72% of all cases with affective disorders and in 1.48% with major depressions, respectively. Age ≥ 65 years, females, severe and psychotic depression were significantly associated with a higher rate of ECT cases. > 40% of all ECT cases were possibly maintenance ECT cases. Only 0.60% of these were performed in day- care settings. rTMS was primarily performed in major depression (86,7% of all rTMS cases). This study suggests a growing demand for ECT and rTMS. Nevertheless, the use of ECT is still low compared to the high prevalence of treatment resistant depression. The use of rTMS is even lower and seems to be restricted to specialized institutions. Maintenance ECT is frequently carried out in an inpatient setting. Limitations of this study are the case- and group-based analysis, missing data on outpatient services and treatment sessions per case. Therefore, the database is not necessarily representative for the entire German healthcare system. Further studies are needed to verify the presented findings and should address the feasibility of ambulatory and day-care ECT services.

Double-Containment Coil With Enhanced Winding Mounting for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation With Reduced Acoustic Noise

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to reduce the acoustic noise level of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils. TMS requires high currents (several thousand amperes) to be pulsed through the coil, which generates a loud acoustic impulse whose peak sound pressure level (SPL) can exceed 130 dB(Z). This sound poses a risk to hearing and elicits unwanted neural activation of auditory brain circuits.

METHODS

We propose a new double-containment coil with enhanced winding mounting (DCC), which utilizes acoustic impedance mismatch to contain and dissipate the impulsive sound within an air-tight outer casing. The coil winding is potted into a rigid block, which is mounted to the outer casing through the block´s acoustic nodes that are subject to minimum vibration during the pulse. The rest of the winding block is isolated from the casing by an air gap, and the sound is absorbed by polyester fiber panels within the casing. The casing thickness under the winding center is minimized to maximize the electric field output.

RESULTS

Compared to commercial figure-of-eight TMS coils, the DCC prototype has 18-41 dB(Z) lower peak SPL at matched stimulation strength, whilst providing 28% higher maximum stimulation strength than equally focal coils.

CONCLUSION

The DCC design greatly reduces the acoustic noise of TMS while increasing the achievable stimulation strength.

SIGNIFICANCE

The acoustic noise reduction from our coil design is comparable to that provided by typical hearing protection devices. This coil design approach can enhance hearing safety and reduce auditory co-activations in the brain and other detrimental effects of TMS sound.

Efficacy, efficiency and safety of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied more than once a day in depression: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for depression but a standard course can be time-consuming. Of all rTMS protocols, high-frequency rTMS (HF rTMS) is the most studied and applied in clinical settings. Little is known about applying multiple sessions of HF rTMS per day, in so-called accelerated schedules.

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic records up to September 2019 for studies that applied HF rTMS in accelerated schedules to treat depression to review its efficacy, efficiency and safety. Treatment effect sizes of accelerated rTMS versus standard and sham rTMS were calculated from comparison studies and pooled to derive overall treatment effect.

RESULTS

Of 1,361 records screened, 12 met review criteria. Qualitative synthesis suggested accelerated HF rTMS was equally effective as once-daily scheduling in treating depression. It is equivocal if accelerated HF rTMS results in more rapid antidepressant response. Accelerated HF rTMS was well-tolerated. The small number of studies suitable for quantitative analysis led to pooled effect sizes that did not reach statistical significance.

LIMITATIONS

There was an overall paucity of studies examining the accelerated application of HF rTMS and even fewer studies comparing accelerated HF rTMS with once-daily or sham rTMS.

CONCLUSION

Our review found comparable antidepressant efficacy between accelerated and once-daily HF rTMS. Between group differences in therapeutic effect sizes were not clinically meaningful. More studies investigating accelerated rTMS protocols are needed to validate its utility and guide clinical decision making.

An update on the clinical use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression

BACKGROUND

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an increasingly used treatment for patients with depression. The use of rTMS in depression is supported by over 20 years of clinical trials. There has been a significant increase in knowledge around the use of rTMS in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to review the use of rTMS in depression to provide an update for rTMS practitioners and clinicians interested in the clinical use of this treatment.

METHODS

A targeted review of the literature around the use of rTMS treatment of depression with a specific focus on studies published in the last 3 years.

RESULTS

High-frequency rTMS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an effective treatment for acute episodes of major depressive disorder. There are several additional methods of rTMS delivery that are supported by clinical trials and meta-analyses but no substantive evidence that any one approach is any more effective than any other. rTMS is effective in unipolar depression and most likely bipolar depression. rTMS courses may be repeated in the management of depressive relapse but there is less evidence for the use of rTMS in the maintenance phase.

CONCLUSIONS

The science around the use of rTMS is rapidly evolving and there is a considerable need for practitioners to remain abreast of the current state of this literature and its implications for clinical practice. rTMS is an effective antidepressant treatment but its optimal use should be continually informed by knowledge of the state of the art.

Sound comparison of seven TMS coils at matched stimulation strength

Background:

Accurate data on the sound emitted by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils is lacking.

Methods:

We recorded the sound waveforms of seven coils with high bandwidth. We estimated the neural stimulation strength by measuring the induced electric field and applying a strengtheduration model to account for different waveforms.

Results:

Across coils, at maximum stimulator output and 25 cm distance, the sound pressure level (SPL) was 98–125 dB(Z) per pulse and 76–98 dB(A) for a 20 Hz pulse train. At 5 cm distance, these values were estimated to increase to 112–139 dB(Z) and 90–112 dB(A), respectively.

Conclusions:

The coils’ airborne sound can exceed some exposure limits for TMS subjects and, in some cases, for operators. These findings are consistent with the current TMS safety guidelines that recommend the use of hearing protection.

Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): An update (2014-2018)

A group of European experts reappraised the guidelines on the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) previously published in 2014 [Lefaucheur et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2014;125:2150-206]. These updated recommendations take into account all rTMS publications, including data prior to 2014, as well as currently reviewed literature until the end of 2018. Level A evidence (definite efficacy) was reached for: high-frequency (HF) rTMS of the primary motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the painful side for neuropathic pain; HF-rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a figure-of-8 or a H1-coil for depression; low-frequency (LF) rTMS of contralesional M1 for hand motor recovery in the post-acute stage of stroke. Level B evidence (probable efficacy) was reached for: HF-rTMS of the left M1 or DLPFC for improving quality of life or pain, respectively, in fibromyalgia; HF-rTMS of bilateral M1 regions or the left DLPFC for improving motor impairment or depression, respectively, in Parkinson's disease; HF-rTMS of ipsilesional M1 for promoting motor recovery at the post-acute stage of stroke; intermittent theta burst stimulation targeted to the leg motor cortex for lower limb spasticity in multiple sclerosis; HF-rTMS of the right DLPFC in posttraumatic stress disorder; LF-rTMS of the right inferior frontal gyrus in chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia; LF-rTMS of the right DLPFC in depression; and bihemispheric stimulation of the DLPFC combining right-sided LF-rTMS (or continuous theta burst stimulation) and left-sided HF-rTMS (or intermittent theta burst stimulation) in depression. Level A/B evidence is not reached concerning efficacy of rTMS in any other condition. The current recommendations are based on the differences reached in therapeutic efficacy of real vs. sham rTMS protocols, replicated in a sufficient number of independent studies. This does not mean that the benefit produced by rTMS inevitably reaches a level of clinical relevance.

Accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of Patients with depression: A review

Major depressive disorder is a highly prevalent and profoundly disabling psychiatric disorder with significant morbidity and mortality and it is very often resistant to antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy and psychotherapy. Therapeutic alternatives include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation which may be an effective choice for treatment-resistant depression but requires prolonged treatments for at least four to six weeks. Shorter exposure to this technique might be more advantageous for certain cases. The purpose of this review is to describe and discuss studies that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) in the acute treatment of depression. Methods: The electronic literature (NCBI Pubmed; Science Direct) on aTMS for the treatment of depression was reviewed. In the last years, a limited number of controlled and open-label studies have been published on the subject. The majority of these studies have shown promising results with aTMS, this protocol probably being at least as safe and as efficacious as conventional rTMS (five sessions per week) in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with a trend for faster response rates when more intensive protocols are used (15 sessions over two days). Future well-designed sham-controlled studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of aTMS in the treatment of depression.