Consensus review and considerations on TMS to treat depression: A comprehensive update endorsed by the National Network of Depression Centers, the Clinical TMS Society, and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Expert consensus statement and narrative review developed via modified Delphi method.
PubMed 39756350 · doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2024.12.015
What was done
An expert work group from the National Network of Depression Centers reviewed literature on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression published between September 2016 and April 2024, using methods informed by PRISMA guidelines. Out of 2,396 abstracts and manuscripts meeting inclusion criteria, the panel used a modified Delphi method over monthly meetings (October 2022 to April 2024) to establish consensus statements covering TMS efficacy, safety, clinical administration, provider training, and documentation.
What was found
The abstract reports qualitative consensus conclusions and contains no quantitative outcome data or effect sizes. The panel concluded that TMS continues to show broad evidence for safety and efficacy in depression, noting that newer modalities are faster and potentially more effective than conventional repetitive TMS protocols.
Why it matters
This paper provides an updated clinical practice consensus endorsed by major professional organizations (NNDC, Clinical TMS Society, IFCN) to guide TMS implementation, provider standards, and adoption of emerging accelerated protocols in the United States.
Limits
The abstract reports general consensus findings without pooled quantitative estimates, meta-analytic statistics, or formal grading of study-level bias. Conclusions rely on Delphi-based expert agreement rather than a standalone systematic meta-analysis.
Cited by
- supports Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is FDA-approved for depression and is covered by Medicare.