Treatment of anxiety symptoms in patients receiving rTMS for treatment resistant depression

oleh: Dan Tuinstra, Chad Percifield, Kellen Stilwell, Aaron Plattner, Evonne Edwards, William Sanders, Michael Koval

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Elsevier 2022-03-01

Deskripsi

Background: This retrospective analysis examined the effects of left-sided dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on comorbid anxiety symptoms patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Method: Response rates, remission rates, reliable change index (RCI), and clinically significant change (CSC) were assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) Anxiety subscale at over an average of 32.9 treatments (SD ​= ​9.2). Results: Fifty-seven TRD patients showed statistically and clinically significant improvement in all anxiety measurements with left DLPFC rTMS. Limitations: This retrospective study had no sham control and allowed for medication changes during the rTMS treatment course. Conclusion: Left DLPFC rTMS may be an important tool in reducing anxiety in TRD patients, improving overall treatment resistant symptoms and suicide risk.