@article{ref1,
title="Association between stimulation-site pain and clinical improvement during repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for patients with major depressive disorders: a prospective observational study at two sites",
journal="Neuropsychobiology",
year="2024",
author="Hayashi, Daisuke and Yamazaki, Ryuichi and Matsuda, Yuki and Igarashi, Shun and Taruishi, Nanase and Kodaka, Fumitoshi and Shigeta, Masahiro and Kito, Shinsuke",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: The clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Japan has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between stimulation-site pain and the antidepressant effects of rTMS has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify (1) the real-world efficacy and safety of rTMS for TRD in Japan and (2) the relationship between stimulation-site pain and clinical improvement of depressive symptoms. <br><br>METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 50 right-handed patients with TRD. All patients received high-frequency rTMS for up to 6 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS). Pain at the stimulation site was reported by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) after each session. Remission and response rates at 3 and 6 weeks were calculated based on the MADRS scores. The correlation between changes in the MADRS and VAS scores was examined. <br><br>RESULTS: Remission and response rates were 36% and 46%, respectively, at the end of 3 weeks, and 60% and 70%, respectively, at 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment, there was significant correlation between the reduction of MADRS and VAS scores (r = 0.42, p = 0.003). <br><br>CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the clinical efficacy of rTMS in Japan and the correlation between its antidepressant effects and stimulation-site pain.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0302-282X",
doi="10.1159/000538971",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000538971"
}