Journal: Brain Stimulation (2018)
Authors: Sheth M, Inamdar S, Roach B, Walsh M, Huyen K
Background:
The DSM-5 classifies MDD as a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for more than two consecutive weeks. Due to the nature of symptoms associated with major depression, many studies have looked at the correlation between depression and its impact on various factors of life, including job satisfaction, personal relationships, and self-image. We analyzed patient assessments to further seek potential relationship between the impact of high frequency deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) over the left prefrontal cortex (L-PFC) on depressive symptoms and perceived quality of life.
Objective:
To report potential outcomes, efficacy, and relationships of dTMS on MDD and Quality of Life.
Methods:
64 patients, across 9 Achieve TMS Centers, completed self-report measures of depression and quality of life throughout the course of dTMS treatment.
Results:
At the start of treatment almost 66% of the sample reported moderately severe or severe depression, with a mean quality of life score at 37.14. By the end of treatment 62.5% of the sample reported no or mild depression, and a mean quality of life score at 47.47, a 27.81% increase from the start of treatment. When together, there was no relationship between lower quality of life and higher depression, but by the end of treatment, there was a significant relationship between higher quality of life and lower depression.
Conclusions:
L-PFC high frequency dTMS is an effective treatment for the associated symptoms of depression that affect overall quality of life. Further investigations are warranted.
Full Publication: Outcomes of dTMS treatment on major depression and quality of life – Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation
