Transcranial magnetic stimulation is effective in the treatment of relapseof depression

INTRODUCTION: The nim of this preliminary report is to demonstrate the effi cacy of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of relapsed major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. METHODS: Four patients with major depressive disorder who weve successfully treated with rTMS received a second course of rTMS treatment. Patients wev e evaluated with thp Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - 21 items, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Global Depression Scale and the Global Asses sment Scale in both trials. The statistical analysis was performed with pai red t-tests and chi squares. RESULTS: Clinical ratings demonstrated a significant improvement at the: en d Of both trials. No significant differences weve found between the ratings at the end of the treatment courses. CONCLUSION: rTMS was successfully used in the treatment of relapsed MDD pat ients who had previously responsed to rTMS.