%0 Journal Article
%T Association between Stimulation-Site Pain and Clinical Improvement during Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Patients with Major Depressive Disorders: A Prospective Observational Study at Two Sites.
%A Hayashi D
%A Yamazaki R
%A Matsuda Y
%A Igarashi S
%A Taruishi N
%A Kodaka F
%A Shigeta M
%A Kito S
%J Neuropsychobiology
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 18
%M 38889691
%F 12.329
%R 10.1159/000538971
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Japan has not been adequately investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between stimulation-site pain and the antidepressant effects of rTMS has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify (1) the real-world efficacy and safety of rTMS for TRD in Japan and (2) the relationship between stimulation-site pain and clinical improvement of depressive symptoms.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 50 right-handed patients with TRD. All patients received high-frequency rTMS for up to 6 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale (MADRS). Pain at the stimulation site was reported by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) after each session. Remission and response rates at 3 and 6 weeks were calculated based on the MADRS scores. The correlation between changes in the MADRS and VAS scores was examined.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Remission and response rates were 36% and 46%, respectively, at the end of 3 weeks, and 60% and 70%, respectively, at 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment, there was significant correlation between the reduction of MADRS and VAS scores (r = 0.42, p = 0.003).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This study demonstrates the clinical efficacy of rTMS in Japan and the correlation between its antidepressant effects and stimulation-site pain.