Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation （TMS） could be a helpful addition to pharmacotherapy in treating depression; however, more evidence of its efficacy and safety is needed. This single-arm, open clinical study tested the efficacy and safety of TMS in 46 patients diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder. TMS was performed 30 times in total, with treatment frequencies of 3-5 times weekly. Patients were examined at the 10th and 20th treatments, after completion of TMS treatment, and at 2 and 4 weeks after completion of treatment. Primary efficacy endpoints were changes in Hamilton Depression Scale （HAMD-17） and Patient Health Questionnaire （PHQ-9） scores from baseline. Mean scores and changes in HAMD-17 and PHQ-9 were significantly decreased from baseline. The response rate at completion of treatment was 68.57％. Systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased at 4 weeks after completion of treatment. Adverse events were observed in 10 patients （21.74％）, including headache, discomfort, and fatigue. The present study found that patients with major depression or bipolar disorder who received TMS showed significant improvement in HAMD-17, PHQ-9, and Clinical Global Impression Scale scores.
