Maintaining remission of depression with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during pregnancy: a case report

Abstract

It is important to explore potential safe treatment options for the ongoing treatment of women's depression during pregnancy. One promising treatment is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). We report on the case of a woman who became pregnant while receiving regular maintenance rTMS combined with pharmacotherapy treatment for major depressive episode. The patient achieved remission following two acute courses of rTMS and continued with maintenance rTMS treatment over the course of 4 years, during which she became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy infant. Her remission was maintained over this time including during and after her pregnancy. There were no adverse effects to the patient or her infant during the pregnancy or in the post-natal period. Maintenance rTMS may be an effective and feasible treatment option for depression during pregnancy.