Efficacy Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A Randomized Double-blind Trial of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obsessive -Compulsive Disorder With Three Months Follow-up

This study aimed at verifying whether sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over a certain brain area (the supplementary motor area) could be useful in the relief of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder symptoms.

Patients were randomly administered either real (n = 12) or sham (n = 10) rTMS, once a day, 5 days a week, for 2 weeks. Randomization was performed according to a computer-generated schedule. Subjects and scale-rater physician were blind to treatment status of individuals. Only the rTMS administrator was aware of group allocations. Treatment response was assessed by self-and clinician-rated scales before treatment, immediately after treatment and 3 months thereafter, with the same examiner following a subject throughout the study. All patients included in the study had failed adequate pharmacological treatment for at least 2 antiobsessional drugs. Their prescription drugs were continued without change in dosage regimens throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18 to 60 years
• diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and having OCD of at least moderate severity (YBOCS score of 16 or above).

Exclusion Criteria:

• subjects with comorbid psychiatric disorders (except depression - HAM-D ) or history of drug abuse
• significant head injury, or of any neurosurgical procedure
• pregnant women
• patients with metal implants or illnesses that prevent attendance to sessions
• patients with a history of seizure or bearing pacemakers