Journal: Journal of Affective Disorders (Jan 2024)
Authors: Orri Smárason, Peter J. Boedeker, Andrew G. Guzick, Aron Tendler, Sameer A. Sheth, Wayne K. Goodman, Eric A. Storch
Existing evidence suggests a concurrent improvement in depressive symptoms alongside obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms during cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), even though depression is not the primary focus of the intervention. Studies exploring the temporal and mediational links between OCD and depressive symptoms have revealed a bidirectional relationship, with prior levels of OCD symptoms influencing subsequent depression levels, and vice versa. The emergence of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (Deep TMS) as an OCD treatment prompts an investigation into whether Deep TMS has a similar impact on depression symptoms as CBT.
In this study, a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was utilized to analyze the relationship between OCD and depression symptoms in 94 treatment refractory patients undergoing either Deep TMS or sham treatment.
Significant improvements were observed in both OCD and depression symptoms. However, the data did not support a stable, cross-lagged relationship between the variables. Changes in one symptom domain could not reliably predict the other.
While treating OCD with Deep TMS, it is likely that depression symptoms will decrease, but continuous monitoring is essential. If necessary, additional interventions should be considered.
Full Article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032723012570
