Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with antidepressants in children and adolescents with depression

Background

Repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with antidepressants benefited adults with depression while its efficacy and safety in children and adolescents with depression remain controversial.

?

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, PsycINFO, CNKI, the Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, the Chinese Biology Medical disc database, and relevant clinical registration databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from their inception to October 18, 2022.

The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by changes in depression rating scale scores.

Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events.

Heterogeneity was determined using the Cochrane Q statistics and I2 statistics.

Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test.

?

Results

Eighteen studies from 10 datasets (1396 patients, 64.7 % female, age range from 8 to 24 years old).

The pooled mean-endpoint scores of the depression scale for rTMS combined with the antidepressant group were significantly lower than those of sham combined with the antidepressant group both in two weeks and four weeks.

There were no differences in safety and acceptability between the two groups.

?

Limitation

Heterogeneity was found in this study due to the limited number of original studies included.

?

Conclusion

rTMS combined with antidepressants enhanced the efficacy of the antidepressant medication.

The safety and acceptability of the two groups were comparable.

These findings may help guide future research and clinical practice.

?

Read the full publication here.

Cao, P., Li, Y., An, B., Ye, L., & Xu, Z. (2023). Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with antidepressants in children and adolescents with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 336, 25–34.

?

--

Announcement: Membership to the Academy of Brain Stimulation is now open!

Join the Academy of Brain Stimulation as a full member and unlock exclusive access to an educational library featuring lectures, tutorials, interviews, and updated evidence-based protocols and procedures from leading scientists and clinical practitioners in transcranial brain stimulation.

As a supplemental service, you can benefit from having your questions answered by TMS experts within 48 hours and connect with a global network of Brain Stimulation professionals.

In addition, the Academy of Brain Stimulation now offers the International Clinical TMS Certification Course On-Demand, allowing you to complete the course at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

Visit our website for more information: https://brainstimulation-academy.com/