1. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
2. TMS can induce long-term effects on cortical excitability and has been found to normalize prefrontal hypoactivity in MDD patients.
3. Low-frequency TMS targeting the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (RDLPFC) has been proposed as an alternative strategy for treating MDD, and combined high-frequency LPFC stimulation and low-frequency RPFC stimulation have also shown significant antidepressant effects.
The article "Antidepressant effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder: a review of current knowledge" provides a comprehensive overview of the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The authors provide a detailed explanation of the functioning principle of TMS and its efficacy in treating MDD. They also explore the proposed mechanism of action for TMS in treating MDD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The article is well-researched and provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of TMS as a treatment option for MDD. However, there are some potential biases that should be noted. For example, the authors focus primarily on studies that support the use of TMS for treating depression, while downplaying or ignoring studies that have found conflicting results.
Additionally, while the authors acknowledge some limitations to TMS as a treatment option, such as its potential to induce seizures at high frequencies, they do not fully explore all possible risks associated with this type of therapy. For example, there is some evidence to suggest that long-term use of TMS may lead to changes in brain structure and function.
Overall, while this article provides valuable information about TMS as a potential treatment option for MDD, readers should approach it with caution and consider seeking out additional sources to gain a more complete understanding of both its benefits and limitations.