Treatment Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Peripartum Depression: Systematic Review

Abstract BackgroundPeripartum depression is a common disorder; it has very high potential hazards for both patients and their babies. Although peripartum depression therapy have typical options, antidepressant and electroconvulsive, these are not ensured concerning safe of fetus. Recently, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(rTMS) have been emerging as promising treatment for neuropathies including type of depression. Using magnetic field is expected to minimize effect on fetuses when used to treat peripartum depression. In this study, we are considering that whether the rTMS treatment is safe and effective for the mother and fetus in the treatment of peripartum depression.PurposePerforming systematical review, we confirm whether repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is suitable treatment option for peripartum depression. MethodsA systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis was performed by CMA3 software. We investigated literature prior to July 2020 using databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries, and conducted bias evaluation for suitable literature. ResultsrTMS have an effect on mitigating depression with SMD = 1.394, 95% CI: 0.944 – 1.843 and. 37% of participants showed remission of the depression and 66% showed responded to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. A few side effect was reported and case of unusual side effect was two. However, we confirmed these are not related to TMS. There were no life-threatening side effects.ConclusionsrTMS might be an attractive alternative treatment for pregnant women who are afraid of chemical effect to their child and life threatening side effect of ECT. Furthermore, rTMS could reduce socioeconomic costs of peripartum depression However, much research is needed to determine standardized protocol and evaluate effectiveness.Systematic review registrationThis systematic review was not registered.