Is twice daily LF-rTMS a viable treatment option for treatment-resistant OCD? Results from an open-label feasibility study.
Authors: Tandt HLN, Van de Velde N, De Witte S, Audenaert K, Baeken C, Lemmens GMD
Journal: European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience
Efficacy
Obsessive–compulsive disorder
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Safety
Adult
Drug Resistance
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
Abstract
Several reports point to the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rTMS targeting the dmPFC in the treatment of treatment-resistant OCD patients. Twelve patients received 20 sessions of low-frequency (LF) rTMS (1 Hz, 1200 pulses) in a twice daily protocol during 10 weekdays. Y-BOCS and IDS scores modestly but significantly decreased after treatment and at follow-up and HADS anxiety improved at follow-up. LF rTMS may improve OCD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant OCD and was a safe and well-tolerated treatment.