Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Versus Electroconvulsive Therapy for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Both ECT and rTMS improved MDD in the short term, but the antidepressant efficacy of ECT was greater than rTMS. Moreover, ECT led to greater reductions in suicidal behavior than rTMS. Until strong evidence for the safety and efficacy of rTMS is available, further studies are needed to compare ECT and rTMS in terms of the long-term relapse rate and quality of life.