Knowledge and attitudes about transcranial magnetic stimulation among psychiatrists in China

Opinion, Use and Knowledge About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Spain: A National Survey of Mental Health Professionals

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of neuromodulation with heterogeneous usage between countries, which may be potentially influenced by healthcare professionals' opinions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, acceptability, and attitudes of mental health professionals in Spain towards TMS. A cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted using an online survey, with 219 participants including psychiatrists, psychologists, and residents. Nearly 100% of participants correctly answered theoretical aspects related to the rationale and indications of TMS. Although only 55% considered TMS effective, 80% would refer patients if TMS were available at their workplace, and 74% would undergo TMS if experiencing depression. 85% believed neuromodulation training should be increased in residency, and 73% demanded TMS inclusion in public hospitals. Teaching staff and psychologists defined TMS as a last resort (p = 0.03 and 0.045). Both disagreed on its ease of use (p < 0.001) and patient referral (p = 0.01), considering an impact on the therapeutic bond (p = 0.029). Previous TMS training, clinical experience, or availability of TMS at the workplace, were associated with better knowledge, a higher perception of efficacy and utility in treating resistant patients (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, surveyed mental health professionals in Spain demonstrated good knowledge of the technique and positive opinions regarding its utility. Findings emphasized limited clinical experience of the sample, a call for training programs, and the demand for the inclusion of TMS in the portfolio of Spanish public hospitals.

Knowledge and attitude toward transcranial magnetic stimulation among rehabilitation specialists in Saudi Arabia

Research has demonstrated the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in rehabilitation. TMS has been widely used in clinical and research settings for individuals with and without neurological dysfunctions. Therefore, understanding the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists regarding TMS is crucial for its application. To our knowledge, no such studies have previously been conducted in the rehabilitation field. Therefore, this study is the first to assess rehabilitation specialists' knowledge of and attitudes toward TMS. An observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted among 102 rehabilitation specialists to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding TMS application in rehabilitation sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists toward TMS and examine the impact of different factors such as gender, education level, acceptability, and practice on these outcomes. Rehabilitation specialists who participated in this study showed a limited level of general knowledge of TMS in rehabilitation (7.81 ± 6.20, 37.19%). However, a significant association between educational levels and knowledge was found. Higher knowledge scores were observed for specialists with post-graduate degrees compared to those with only a bachelor's degree. Moreover, knowledge level, experience, and availability of TMS equipment in the workplace led to a positive attitude toward TMS among rehabilitation specialists. A low knowledge level among rehabilitation specialists was attributed to their level of education. Nevertheless, specialists showed an overall positive attitude toward TMS. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate TMS theory and applications into neuroscience and rehabilitation courses for rehabilitation specialists as it holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool.

Treating maternal depression: understanding barriers and facilitators to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in Canada-a protocol

Background

Peripartum depression (PPD) is a serious public health issue associated with severe and potentially long-term adverse maternal and child developmental outcomes. Suicide and overdose, for example, accounts for up to a third of maternal deaths. A current depression diagnosis with no active treatment is a common risk factor for maternal suicide. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-pharmacological treatment that has recently shown some promise as an effective treatment with limited side effects for PPD, but more research is required. This study aims to identify current barriers and potential facilitators for women with PPD accessing treatment in general, and rTMS specifically.

Methods

This study will consist of two anonymous, self-administered surveys, focus groups, and interviews. A descriptive interpretative approach will be employed, and thematic analysis will be completed for the focus groups and interviews. Participants who are currently, or have previously experienced depressive symptoms, as well as health providers will be recruited. Our study will follow an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) perspective on sex, gender, and ethnicity and the gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) analytic tool will be used. Both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data will be conducted.

Discussion

We expect to find education and accessibility to be primary treatment barriers for persons with PPD. Identifying and addressing barriers is a critical first step towards the devolvement of initiatives that can work towards improving mental health in this population.

Clinicians' views on neuromodulation as a treatment for eating disorders: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), are emerging as promising treatment options in eating disorders (EDs). To date, the views of ED clinicians regarding these interventions have not been explored.

METHODS

Eighteen clinicians were recruited from a specialist ED Service in London, UK. Following a short educational presentation on rTMS, tDCS and DBS, they completed a semi-structured interview to explore their views on the use of these treatment options in EDs.

RESULTS

Clinician knowledge of neuromodulation techniques was low. They raised safety and ethical (particularly capacity to consent) concerns mainly with regard to DBS. Neuromodulation treatments were considered most appropriate as an adjunct to psychotherapy and for patients with severe, enduring illness (who had completed previous psychological treatments).

CONCLUSIONS

Improving clinicians' knowledge and understanding of neuromodulation is fundamental for bridging the gap between research and clinical work. This is especially so given the predominance of psychological theory and practice in the treatment of EDs.