Effect on the Emotions of Healthy Individuals of Slow Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Applied to the Prefrontal Cortex

Recent studies indicate that both slow and fast repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have a mood-elevating effect in major depressive episodes. The effect of slow rTMS on the emotions of healthy individuals has not been examined. Methods: We studied the effects of slow rTMS applied to the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 18 healthy individuals. Active and sham stimulation was applied to both sides of all individuals. Stimulation was with a 9-cm figure-of-eight coil at the following parameters: 110% of motor threshold, 1 Hz, single train of 500 stimuli. Depression, happiness, irritability, and anxiety were measured before and 5, 30, and 240 min after stimulation using visual analogue scales. A sleep questionnaire was completed the morning after each stimulation session. A new method of providing sham was used. Results: Slow rTMS applied to the PFC did not produce significant changes in the emotions of healthy individuals; nor was sleep influenced. Discussion: In conclusion, slow rTMS at these parameters applied to the PFC does not produce significant changes in the emotions of healthy individuals.