Adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for older patients with depression: A systematic review.

Objective: We performed this systemic review to investigate the therapeutic potential and safety of adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) for older patients with depression.

Methods: We included published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies targeting adjunctive aTMS for older patients with depression.

Results: Two open-label self-controlled studies ( = 29) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The included studies reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-aTMS (all < 0.05). One study reported a dropout rate of 10.5% (2/19). Mild headache was the most common adverse reaction.

Conclusion: The currently available evidence from two open-label self-controlled studies indicates that adjunctive aTMS is a safe and effective therapy for older patients with depression.