Long-term benefit of TMS in patients with depression shown

May 23, 2013

NeuroStar TMS System (credit: NeuroStar)

New data show that the NeuroStar TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) Therapy System induced statistically and clinically meaningful response and remission in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) during the acute phase of therapy, and the effects were maintained through one year of treatment.

At the end of acute treatment, 62 percent of patients achieved symptomatic improvement while 41 percent reported complete remission. At 12 months, 68 percent of patients achieved symptomatic improvement while 45 percent reported complete remission.

Maintenance of benefit was observed under a pragmatic regimen of continuation antidepressant medication and access to TMS reintroduction for symptom recurrence.