Relapse prevention (RP) TMS

Background: TMS is safe and effective in the treatment of MDD, but as with other treatments, relapse may occur on cessation of treatment.

Objective: To prevent relapse in MDD, following successful acute TMS treatment.

Method: 5 TMS treatments over 3 days, repeated at about monthly intervals.

Results: 14 patients received this care for more than 12 months. At the commencement of each series the mood scores were close to relapse, but at completion they were in the remitted range.

Conclusion: Such treatment is useful. It is better conceptualized as relapse prevention rather than remittance maintenance.