Other somatic treatments

In: Management

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applies powerful magnetic fields to the brain from outside the head. Multiple controlled studies support the use of this method in treatment-resistant depression; it has been approved for this indication in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the US. rTMS appeared similarly effective for both uncomplicated depression and depression resistant to medication; however, it was inferior to ECT in a side-by-side randomized trial.

Vagus nerve stimulation was approved by the FDA in the United States in 2005 for use in treatment-resistant depression, although it failed to show short-term benefit in the only large double-blind trial when used as an adjunct on treatment-resistant patients; a 2008 systematic review concluded that despite the promising results reported mainly in open studies, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in major depression.