Safety and feasibility of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of anxious depression in pregnancy: a case report

J Clin Psychiatry. 1999 Jan;60(1):50-2. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v60n0111.

Abstract

Background: The proper treatment of mood disorders occurring during pregnancy is a major therapeutic problem since no antidepressant medications have been established as safe for the developing fetus. Several double-blind placebo-controlled studies have explored the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in depression.

Case: We report the case of a 36-year-old woman in her second trimester of pregnancy, whose depression (DSM-IV) and anxiety were successfully treated with rTMS. Further studies of rTMS in depressed pregnant women appear warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placebos
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos