Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, disabling disorder. Ten percent of patients remain treatment refractory
despite several treatments. For these severe, treatment-refractory patients, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
(rTMS) has been suggested as a treatment option. Since 1997, in published trials, a total of 110 OCD patients have been treated
with rTMS. This review aims to provide an update on rTMS treatment in patients with OCD. First, the mechanism of action is
discussed, followed by the efficacy and side effects of rTMS at various brain targets, and finally implications for the future.
Due to the lack of studies with comparable stimulation or treatment parameters and with reliable designs, it is difficult
to draw clear conclusions. In general, rTMS appears to be effective in open-label studies; however, this has not yet been
replicated in randomized, sham-controlled trials.
despite several treatments. For these severe, treatment-refractory patients, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
(rTMS) has been suggested as a treatment option. Since 1997, in published trials, a total of 110 OCD patients have been treated
with rTMS. This review aims to provide an update on rTMS treatment in patients with OCD. First, the mechanism of action is
discussed, followed by the efficacy and side effects of rTMS at various brain targets, and finally implications for the future.
Due to the lack of studies with comparable stimulation or treatment parameters and with reliable designs, it is difficult
to draw clear conclusions. In general, rTMS appears to be effective in open-label studies; however, this has not yet been
replicated in randomized, sham-controlled trials.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 289-294
- DOI 10.1007/s11920-011-0205-3
- Authors
- Rianne M. Blom, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PA.3-127, P.O. Box 75867, 1070 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Martijn Figee, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PA.1-156, P.O. Box 75867, 1070 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Nienke Vulink, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PA.1-154, P.O. Box 75867, 1070 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Damiaan Denys, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PA.2-179, P.O. Box 75867, 1070 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Journal Current Psychiatry Reports
- Online ISSN 1535-1645
- Print ISSN 1523-3812
- Journal Volume Volume 13
- Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 4 / August, 2011