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. 2003;2003(3):CD003387.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003387.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

J L R Martin  1 , M J Barbanoj, V Pérez, M Sacristán
Affiliations

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

J L R Martin et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003.

Abstract

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was introduced as a neurophysiological technique in 1985 when Anthony Barker and his team developed a compact machine that permitted non-invasive stimulation of the cerebral cortex (Barker 1985). Since its introduction, TMS has been used to evaluate the motor system, to study the function of several cerebral regions, and for the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric illnesses. In addition, it has been suggested that TMS might have therapeutic potential. Some controlled studies have evaluated the effects of repetitive TMS (rTMS) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Greenberg (Greenberg 1997) observed that a single session of right prefrontal cortex stimulation produced a significant decrease in compulsive urges in OCD patients lasting over eight hours. Other studies have reported transitory improvements in mood but there are no observations for changes in anxiety or obsessions.

Objectives: To develop a systematic review on the clinical efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation from randomised controlled trials in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Search strategy: An electronic search was performed including the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group trials register (last searched June, 2002), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (1966-2002), EMBASE (1974-2002), PsycLIT (1980-2002), and bibliographies from reviewed articles.

Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials assessing the therapeutic efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Data collection and analysis: All reviewers independently extracted the information and verified it by cross-checking. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.

Main results: Three trials were included in the review and only two contained data in a suitable form for quantitative analysis. It was not possible to pool any results for a meta-analysis. No difference was seen between rTMS and sham TMS using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for all time periods analysed.

Reviewer's conclusions: There are currently insufficient data from randomised controlled trials to draw any conclusions about the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Remission of obsessions and/or compulsions (rTMS vs placebo), Outcome 1 Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (6 weeks).
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Remission of obsessions and/or compulsions (rTMS vs placebo), Outcome 2 Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (10 weeks).
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Depression (rTMS vs placebo), Outcome 1 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (6 weeks).
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Depression (rTMS vs placebo), Outcome 2 Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (10 weeks).
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 1 Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (2 weeks).
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 2 Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (1month follow‐up).
3.3
3.3. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 3 Beck Depression Inventory (2 weeks).
3.4
3.4. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 4 Beck Depression Inventory (1 month follow‐up).
3.5
3.5. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 5 Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (2 weeks).
3.6
3.6. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 6 Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (1 month follow‐up).
3.7
3.7. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 7 Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State (2 weeks).
3.8
3.8. Analysis
Comparison 3 Right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex vs left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Outcome 8 Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State (1 month follow‐up).
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References

References to studies included in this review

Alonso 2001 {published data only}
    1. Alonso P, Pujol J, Cardoner N, Benlloch L, Deus J, Menchon JM, et al. Right prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive‐compulsive disorder: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. American Journal of Psychiatry 2001;158(7):1143‐5. - PubMed
Greenberg 1997 {published data only}
    1. Greenberg BD, George MS, Martin JD, Benjamin J, Schlaepfer TE, Altemus M, et al. Effect of prefrontal repetitive transcraneal magnetic stimulation in obssesive‐compulsive disorder: a preliminary study. American Journal of Psychiatry 1997;154(6):867‐9. - PubMed
Sachdev 2001 {published data only}
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References to studies excluded from this review

Greenberg 1998 {published data only}
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