Effect of Previous Electroconvulsive Therapy on Subsequent Response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder

Response to Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Comparison of Patients With and Without History of Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Current Depressive Episode

INTRODUCTION

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a novel form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) conducted in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In this retrospective naturalistic study, we investigated the outcome of iTBS in treatment-resistant depression patients with (ECT+) and without (ECT-) history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in their current depressive episode, as well as among previous ECT responders and nonresponders.

METHODS

We included 66 inpatients (57.6% women; mean age, 52.7 years) at a German University Department of Psychiatry. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to investigate the impact of ECT treatment history on response to iTBS.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was 51.5%. History of ECT in the current episode was present in 47% of patients. In the regression model, history of ECT in the current episode was associated with significantly worse response to iTBS (odds ratio, 0.252; 95% confidence interval, 0.085-0.743; P = 0.013), whereas other disease- and treatment-related covariates had no significant impact on treatment outcome. In the ECT+ group, ECT nonresponders showed a significantly worse outcome of iTBS than ECT responders. Overall rate of treatment discontinuations was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, iTBS was most effective in patients without history of ECT in the current episode. Previous ECT responders had better outcome following iTBS than ECT nonresponders. Hence, patients with ECT response, who had to discontinue ECT due to side effects or complications, may be considered suitable candidates to be switched to iTBS.

Consensus review and considerations on TMS to treat depression: A comprehensive update endorsed by the National Network of Depression Centers, the Clinical TMS Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology

This article updates the prior 2018 consensus statement by the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of depression, incorporating recent research and clinical developments. Publications on TMS and depression between September 2016 and April 2024 were identified using methods informed by PRISMA guidelines. The NNDC Neuromodulation Work Group met monthly between October 2022 and April 2024 to define important clinical topics and review pertinent literature. A modified Delphi method was used to achieve consensus. 2,396 abstracts and manuscripts met inclusion criteria for review. The work group generated consensus statements which include an updated narrative review of TMS safety, efficacy, and clinical features of use for depression. Considerations related to training, roles/responsibilities of providers, and documentation are also discussed. TMS continues to demonstrate broad evidence for safety and efficacy in treating depression. Newer forms of TMS are faster and potentially more effective than conventional repetitive TMS. Further exploration of targeting methods, use in special populations, and accelerated protocols is encouraged. This article provides an updated overview of topics relevant to the administration of TMS for depression and summarizes expert, consensus opinion on the practice of TMS in the United States.

Role of Electroconvulsive Therapy, Ketamine Infusion, and Deep Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression: A Case Report

Background and Objectives: Options for treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBPD) are limited. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has shown efficacy in TRBPD. However, the cognitive deficits and memory concerns associated with ECT are problematic for a significant number of patients. It remains unclear what the next step is for patients with TRBPD who fail ECT. Materials and Methods: In this case report, we present a patient with TRBPD who sequentially received 12 sessions of brief-pulse right unilateral ECT, 22 sessions of ketamine infusion at 0.5-0.75 mg/kg for 40 min, and 39 sessions of deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). Results: The patient had some benefit from ECT, but declined continuation of ECT due to memory concerns. The patient tolerated ketamine infusion well but had limited benefit. However, the patient responded well to acute treatment with dTMS and maintained relative stability for more than 2 years. Conclusions: This case suggests that patients with TRBPD who fail ECT and/or ketamine infusion might benefit from dTMS.

A Systematic Review Assessing Patient-Related Predictors of Response to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Objective

The safety and efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the acute treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) is well established. However, it is not well understood which patient-related factors are associated with a more robust antidepressant response. Identifying predictive factors for therapeutic response to TMS treatment in depression will guide clinicians in patient selection.

Methods

By systematic review of clinical trial data, the current study aims to identify and analyze reported patient-specific predictors of response to an acute course of TMS treatment for MDD. PubMed was searched for randomized controlled trials of TMS for patients with depression. Studies were appraised for risk of bias using components recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Results

TMS data were available from 375 studies, 18 of which were included in this review. Treatment response is inversely associated with treatment refractoriness and age.

Conclusion

Inadequate sample size and large heterogeneity in study parameters among clinical trials limit any strong conclusions from being drawn; nonetheless, despite these limitations, there is mounting evidence, which points to age and treatment refractoriness as candidate variables for predicting clinical outcome. Implications of these findings for treatment of MDD are discussed.

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.

One century of healing currents into the brain from the scalp: From electroconvulsive therapy to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for neuropsychiatric disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was applied for the first time in humans in 1938: after 80 years, it remains conceptually similar today except for modifications of the original protocol aimed to reduce adverse effects (as persistent memory deficits) without losing clinical efficacy. We illustrate the stages of development as well as ups and downs of ECT use in the last eighty years, and the impact that it still maintains for treatment of certain psychiatric conditions. Targeted, individualized and safe noninvasive neuromodulatory interventions are now possible for many neuropsychiatric disorders thanks to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that injects currents in the brain through electromagnetic induction, powerful enough to depolarize cortical neurons and related networks. Although ECT and rTMS differ in basic concepts, mechanisms, tolerability, side effects and acceptability, and beyond their conceptual remoteness (ECT) or proximity (rTMS) to "precision medicine" approaches, the two brain stimulation techniques may be considered as complementary rather than competing in the current treatment of certain neuropsychiatric disorders.