Parameters and outcomes of published depression studies

From Kirkcaldie MTK, Pridmore SA, Pascual-Leone A. Transcranial magnetic stimulation as therapy for depression and other disorders. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 1997;31:264-272:

Study Rate Strength Number n Measure Outcome
Höflich et al. 1993 0.3 Hz (+ ECT) 0.75-1.5 T; 105-130% Tm 25 x 10 sets x 5 days x 2 wks 2 HDRS 2 slight improvement; possible ECT priming
Grisaru et al. 1994 0.017 Hz? 2 T 60 in 60 min 10 HDRS; BPRS 5 no change; 1 worse; 4 slight improvement
Kolbinger et al. 1995 0.25 - 0.5 Hz control / above Tm / below Tm 250 x 5 days 15 HDRS; self-rating Slight (non-sig) improv in both treatment groups
George et al. 1995 20 Hz 80% Tm 40 x 20 sets x 5+ days 6 Clinical; HDRS 2 no change; 2 slight improv; 2 robust improv
George et al. 1996 20 Hz 80% Tm 40 x 20 sets x 2 weeks 12 Clinical; HDRS Sig group improvement; 25% HDRS red'n for 4
Pascual-Leone et al. 1996 10 Hz Tm 100 x 20 sets x 5 days x 5 sites 17 HDRS; BDI Sig reduction on both after LDPFC stimulation

Abbreviations: ECT: electroconvulsive therapy; Tm: threshold of motor response; T: Tesla; HDRS: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; BPRS: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; BDI: Beck Depression Inventory; LDPFC: left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.


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