Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access

Abstract

Repetitive TMS Optimized by SPECT Control in Refractory Depression

Helge Müller, Teresa Biermann, Frank Seifert, Juan-Manuel Maler, Thomas Kraus, Johannes Kornhuber and Wolfgang Sperling

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in the treatment of major depression. Here, we used quantitative SPECT to individually target rTMS site. 12 in patients suffering from pharmacoresistant major depression and a control group were given high frequency rTMS (10 Hz) on identical cortical regions with hypoactivation with a stimulation intensity of 80% of the motor threshold and a simple circular coil. 11 of the 12 patients showed significant (p=0.001) improvement in their depressive symptoms. The method is effective and easily applicable. But further studies should control the findings in larger sample groups and also give impetus to better definitions of hypoactivation areas and their influence on rTMS effects.