Advances in the mechanism-based research of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating depression (English)

Overview: Depressive disorders are one of the most common mental health problems today. However, the mechanisms behind treatments for this condition remain unclear. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate electrical activity in the brain. It is considered an effective treatment for depression. In this article, we review the key findings from clinical and basic research on rTMS as a treatment for depression. These include its antidepressant effects, underlying mechanisms, ways in which it regulates neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and brain networks, as well as its benefits related to hippocampal neurogenesis. We also discuss the molecular pathways involved in rTMS’s effectiveness.