Neurostimulation methods in the treatment of depression: A comparison of rTMS, tDCS, and Venlafaxine using a pooled analysis of two studies
Hejzlar, Novak, & Bares, 2021. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
The analysis (n=117, both patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and non-TRD were included) examined pooled data from two 4-week, single-centered, two-armed, double-blind, randomized studies.
Mean change in total MADRS scores from baseline to week 4 was 7.0 points in the rTMS group, 7.6 in the tDCS group, and 8.9 among patients in the VNF group, a non-significant difference . Similarly, neither the response rates nor remission rates for rTMS, tDCS, or VNF significantly differed among treatment groups
The analysis found a comparable efficacy and acceptability in all three treatment modalities (rTMS, tDCS, and VNF) and clinical relevance for the acute treatment of major depressive disorder.