Is twice daily LF-rTMS a viable treatment option for treatment-resistant OCD? Results from an open-label feasibility study

Several reports point to the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rTMS targeting the dmPFC in the treatment of treatment-resistant OCD patients.Twelve patients received 20 sessions of low-frequency (LF) rTMS (1 Hz, 1200 pulses) in a twice daily protocol during 10 weekdays. Y-BOCS and IDS scores modestly but significantly decreased after treatment and at follow-up and HADS anxiety improved at follow-up. LF rTMS may improve OCD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant OCD and was a safe and well-tolerated treatment.

Publication year:2021