Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive and easily tolerated method of altering cortical physiology. Over recent years rTMS has become applied in the study of neuropsychiatric disorder (research and treatment).
The aim of this article is to review applicability of rTMS as a treatment modality in depression. Some studies suggests efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of depressive disorder.
But high number of stimulation parametres that may be varied complicates comparison of its efficacy (meta- analysis). There are two urgent priorities. 1. systematic investigation of the parameters of rTMS in the treatment (localization, intensity, frequency, duration and the number of magnetic pulses), 2. carefully designed clinical trials (a priori sample size calculation, definition of resistance, concomittant treatment etc.), which will be suitable for meta- analysis to prove clinical efficacy of rTMS.