Transcranial magnetic stimulation and post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms from four clusters after exposure to a traumatic event: re-experiencing symptoms including flashbacks and nightmares, hyperarousal, avoidance of internal and external stimuli related to trauma, and negative alterations in mood and cognition. As a noninvasive intervention that uses induction of electromagnetic fields to modulate cortical circuitry, TMS has a substantial body of literature demonstrating safety, tolerability, and efficacy in depression and potentially PTSD.

Objectives

Our aim is to perform a non-systematic review of the literature regarding TMS and PTSD

Methods

A semi-structured review was conducted on Pubmed concerning TMS and PTSD

Results

The majority of studies utilize repetitive TMS targeted to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at low frequency (1 Hz) or high frequency (10 or 20 Hz), however others have used alternative frequencies, targeted other regions, or trialed different stimulation protocols utilizing newer TMS modalities such as theta-burst TMS (TBS). It is encouraging that were positive outcomes have been shown, and often sustained for up to -3 months, nevertheless there is a paucity of long-term studies directly comparing available approaches.

Conclusions

TMS appears safe and effective for PTSD, although important steps are needed to operationalize optimal approaches for patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.