rTMS Treatment in Patients With General Anxiety Disorder

A 12-week, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Multicentered Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of High-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Treatment in Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This study will compare the change detected by a standardized rating scale (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) scores in the active treatment group as compared to sham (placebo) group after 6 weeks of rTMS treatments. It is hoped that 6 weeks of rTMS treatment will lead to improvement of core symptoms in patients with GAD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• signed patient informed consent;
• primary GAD diagnosis;
• HARS >=15;
• male/female 18-65 years;
• without GAD pharmacotherapy at least last 2 weeks or if they are taking GAD medication it must be stable for at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the study and not be changed during the 6 weeks of the study treatment phase.
• Individual or group supportive psychotherapy may continue during the study but will not be allowed to start new psychotherapy during the 6 weeks of the study treatment phase.

Exclusion Criteria:

• current serious Axis I schizophrenia, bipolar I, MDD;
• other primary Axis I in the opinion of investigator;
• HDRS >=18;
• metallic implant in cranium except mouth;
• severe/unstable medical conditions;
• ect within last 3 months;
• history epilepsy;
• neurological disorder leading to increased intracranial pressure;
• severe cardiac disorder/intracardiac lines/pacemakers;
• current suicide risk.