Effects of slow rTMS at the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on EEG asymmetry and mood

In a sham-controlled design (n = 12), slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 20 min, and the subsequent effects on mood and the EEG spectrum were i nvestigated. Analysis revealed a significant left hemisphere increase in EE G theta activity at 25-35 and 55-65 min after stimulation. In addition, par ticipants reported significant decrease in anxiety immediately after stimul ation, as well as 35 and 65 min after rTMS. These findings indicate that re ductions in anxiety after slow rTMS at the right dorsolateral prefrontal co rtex are associated with a contralateral increase in theta activity. Neuro Report 12:445-447 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.