Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation More Effective than Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Treatment of Major Depression

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy in a holistic manner. The core objective of the paper is to characterize the approaches that are used by these therapies while treating depression; moreover, the paper aims to explore that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation more effective than electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of major depression the treatment of major depression.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation5

Approaches to be used in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation5

Motor Evoked Potential (MEP)5

Representational Motor Mapping6

Paired and Repetitive TMS Techniques7

Electroconvulsive Therapy7

The Approaches to be used by Electroconvulsive Therapy8

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy10

Conclusion11

References13

Is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation More Effective than Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Treatment of Major Depression

Introduction

Each year depression torments approximately 15 million adults, roughly 7% of the U.S. population. Treatment for depression typically begins with psychotherapy and medication. However, psychopharmacological intervention appears ineffective for one-third to half of those suffering from severe depression. Furthermore, medications can have intolerable side effects including metabolic syndrome and increased risk for suicide. According to different source, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy are the most significant approaches discovered to cure patients suffering from depression. Nonetheless, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is considered more effective than electroconvulsive therapy as the revival of patients through transcranial magnetic stimulation as compared to electroconvulsive therapy.

A recent large scale trial investigating four levels of psychopharmacological treatment for severe depression found that 67% of participants responded to medication across the four levels, with remission rates between 20 and 30% depending on the medication prescribed. Another problem associated with medication is poor treatment adherence, which further complicates estimates of individual response to medication. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy are the approaches that are considered as a significant cure for depression. Nonetheless, the approaches to be used by these therapies effectively counters depression in patients. However, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is considered to be more effective than electroconvulsive therapy.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a technique that allows non-invasive stimulation on human brain. In 1980, Merton and Morton developed a high-voltage electrical stimulator that could activate the cerebral cortex of intact human brain. This technique is known as Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. A problem associated with TES is that it is painful. In 1985, Anthony Barker showed that magnetic stimulation could also activate intact human brain, and presented this technique for the first time at the London Congress of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN). This technique is known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulatin (TMS).

Since its invention in 1985, the most important issue associated with TMS has been safety. International Federation for Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN) adapted these recommendations with minor modifications. After 1996, new techniques of TMS fast developed and challenged traditional experimental safety guidelines. In addition, the large body of TMS studies accumulated also provided new data for updating traditional safety guidelines (Brakemeier, et al. 2008, 59-70). In March 2008, another TMS consensus conference was held ...