Magnetic seizure therapy for unipolar and bipolar depression: An up to date systematic review.

Abstract

Background: Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) has emerged as a promising alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression. Previous systematic reviews and meta analysis already showed its primary results, however, there are no recent reviews updating these findings.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to make an updated systematic review of MST on unipolar and bipolar depression.

Methods: We conducted a search considering databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus). Studies were included if they investigated MST in human subjects for unipolar or bipolar depression, and not restricting to year or language.

Results: Data resulted in 15 studies, corresponding to 300 participants that received MST. Most studies were pilot, open-label or secondary analyses (n = 12). Participants that received MST had a response and remission rates ranging from 26.9% to 72.2% and 11.1% to 61.1%, respectively. The most common stimulation regions were vertex and prefrontal cortex, with frequencies between 25-100 Hz and duration of 6-24 sessions (2-3 times a week). Few side effects were reported.

Conclusions: MST shows to be effective and well-tolerated treatment for depression. Larger, double-blinded RCTs with standardised mood, cognitive, and side effect assessments are needed to confirm these findings.