The Role of rTMS in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Other than Major Depression

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) offers a noninvasive, safe, and well-tolerated method of neuromodulation. We reviewed existing literature covering rTMS treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, dementia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data for PTSD suggest the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may be a potential treatment site. rTMS in schizophrenia suggests high-frequency stimulation of the left DLPFC may have some benefit for negative symptoms, and low-frequency stimulation of the primary auditory cortex may assist with auditory hallucinations. The role of rTMS in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia is promising, but further studies are needed. Data for bipolar disorder are inconsistent across the spectrum of mood states. Treatment of OCD by stimulation of the supplementary motor area may have promise. Data are lacking regarding use of rTMS for ASD or ADHD to draw definitive conclusions.