Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Anxiety Disorders - A Possible Therapeutic Option? A Systematic Review

Anxiety disorders rank among the most frequent psychiatric disorders. Effective psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions exist, although a considerable number of patients does not respond to standard interventions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is capable of modulating cortical activity locally and non-invasively. Therefore, rTMS is discussed as a possible alternative treatment approach in psychiatric disorders. The present paper aims to provide a systematic review of randomised controlled studies, open studies, and case reports examining the potential therapeutic effects of rTMS in anxiety disorders. Overall, these studies suggest beneficial effects of rTMS on anxiety symptoms. Nevertheless, larger randomised controlled studies are warranted to allow a more comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS in anxiety disorders.