Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduced PHQ-9 scores by 55% and GAD-7 scores by 22.2% in a 69-year-old female patient with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with atrial fibrillation over 8 weeks.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does rTMS improve symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in a patient with comorbid atrial fibrillation?
rTMS may be a safe and effective treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in patients with comorbid atrial fibrillation, potentially reducing the burden of polypharmacy.
Effect estimate: 55% reduction
Absolute Event Rate: 9% vs 20%
This paper examines the utilization of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat recurrent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in a patient comorbid with atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of common heart arrhythmia. Symptoms of AF can increase the risk of MDD and GAD, negatively impacting quality of life. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved modality for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) and has shown promise for off-label treatment of anxiety disorders. Quantitative psychometric questionnaires were administered weekly, using the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), which revealed symptom reductions of 55% and 22.2%, respectively.
Reddy et al. (Wed,) conducted a case report in Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder comorbid with atrial fibrillation (n=1). repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was evaluated on reduction in depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9 scores (55% reduction). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduced PHQ-9 scores by 55% and GAD-7 scores by 22.2% in a 69-year-old female patient with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with atrial fibrillation over 8 weeks.