The effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on procedural memory and dysphoric mood in patients with major depressive disorder.

Objective: To study the effects of depression and treatment with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sequence learning.

Background: Prefrontal dysfunction in depression may affect sequence learning and be amenable to normalization by rTMS.

Method: The serial reaction time test (SRTT) was administered to 19 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 20 nondepressed control participants.

Relative effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy on mood and memory: a neurocognitive risk-benefit analysis.

Objective: Two procedures for treating major depressive disorder were compared with regard to their respective effects on mood and cognition.

Background: Fourteen patients underwent treatment with electroconvulsive therapy and 14 underwent treatment with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Patients were tested on three occasions: before initiation of treatment, at the end of treatment, and 2 weeks after the end of treatment.