Investigation of the Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Method on Psychological Symptoms.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on psychological symptoms. In order to examine the effects of the rTMS method on psychological symptoms, the study employs a three-group design comprising pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements. It can be characterized as a 3 × 3 factorial design, encompassing comparisons at three distinct time points. The research was conducted at a private psychiatric facility. The study sample comprises individuals who sought treatment at the psychiatric center during the 2023-2024 period. The total number of participants included in the study was 60. The participants were aged between 18 and 60. The research data were collected using a six-item `Personal Information Form' which requested descriptive information and included the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised for the purpose of general mental status assessment. The repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedure was conducted at a psychiatric clinic. To ensure the efficacy of the treatment, pre-treatment clinical interviews were conducted. The sessions were conducted daily, five times per week, for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. The data obtained from the research were subjected to analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25. As a result of the study, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was found to have a significant effect on psychological symptoms. However, it was found to have no significant effect on anxiety, psychoticism and hostility scores in participants who did not use psychotherapy and medication. Further studies are needed to replicate these results in other populations.