Is twice daily LF-rTMS a viable treatment option for treatment-resistant OCD? Results from an open-label feasibility study

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2021 Feb;271(1):211-214. doi: 10.1007/s00406-020-01142-x. Epub 2020 May 29.

Abstract

Several reports point to the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rTMS targeting the dmPFC in the treatment of treatment-resistant OCD patients. Twelve patients received 20 sessions of low-frequency (LF) rTMS (1 Hz, 1200 pulses) in a twice daily protocol during 10 weekdays. Y-BOCS and IDS scores modestly but significantly decreased after treatment and at follow-up and HADS anxiety improved at follow-up. LF rTMS may improve OCD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant OCD and was a safe and well-tolerated treatment.

Keywords: Efficacy; Obsessive–compulsive disorder; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; Safety.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Drug Resistance*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult