TMS Treatment for Depression in the National Health Service

An Evaluation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the National Health Service

This research programme purports to test the effectiveness of two Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) protocols (Repetitive high frequency protocol and Theta Burst protocol) in reducing the symptoms of depression. The study also uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to improve the localization of TMS targets.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of depressive disorder (DSM-IV)
• Diagnosis of treatment resistance (at least stage 1 as defined by Thase & Rush, 1997 for depression)
• Female or male between 18 and 70 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of Bipolar disorder
• Clinically relevant neurological comorbidity such as brain neoplasm, cerebral vascular events, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, prior brain surgery
• Metal objects in and around body that cannot be removed
• Pregnancy
• Cardiac pacemaker or implanted medication pump
• Major unstable medical illness
• Change in prescribed medication in the 2 weeks preceding the start of TMS trial
• Current alcohol/stimulant dependence with propensity for toxic/withdrawal seizures