High-Frequency and Low-Intensity Patterned Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex as Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Report of 3 Cases

Abstract

Current transcranial magnetic stimulation devices apply intense (near 1 tesla) repetitive magnetic pulses over a specific area of the skull at relatively lower frequencies (1-50 Hz). Nevertheless, different studies have shown that very small magnetic fields, at higher frequencies (50-1000 Hz.), produce therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. We report the application of high-frequency and low-intensity patterned magnetic pulses over the left prefrontal dorsolateral cortex in three subjects diagnosed with clinical major depressive disorder. All three patients showed sharp changes in their self-reports as well as in the standardized clinical assessment. Hypothesized mechanisms of action of this new variant of magnetic stimulation are discussed.