Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Introduction to TMS Efficacy

• The American Academy of Neurology suggests that TMS may be more effective when combined with behavioral interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy, though this evidence is extrapolated from depression and addiction literature 2

Comparison to Other Treatments

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke indicates that while deep brain stimulation has Level I evidence for bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation and Level II evidence for bilateral nucleus accumbens stimulation in treatment-refractory OCD, TMS offers a non-invasive alternative with moderate efficacy that avoids neurosurgical risks 3, 4
• The American Psychiatric Association notes that TMS should be attempted before considering DBS in the treatment algorithm, as it provides a non-invasive alternative with moderate efficacy 5