The emerging use of technology for the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

Background: Our objective is to review emerging technologies intended for the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods: These technologies include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), magnetic seizure therapy (MST), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), cortical brain stimulation (CBS), and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).

Results: The rationale for these technologies, their mechanisms of action, and how they are used in clinical practice are described. rTMS and VNS are effective for treatment-resistant depression. DBS is effective for resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. QEEG can help predict a patient's response to an antidepressant. All of these technologies continue to be investigated in treatment studies.

Conclusions: As these and other emerging technologies for depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders are development and applied, psychiatrists should understand the rationale for these modalities, how they work, and how they can be used in clinical practice.