Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic pain disorders: a systematic review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Salgado, MI (Author) Other; Baptista, IP (Author) Other; Ferreira, AR (Author) FMUP; Alves, PA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Pain Medicine

ISSN: 1526-2375

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-019-GSR

DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf069

Abstract (EN): Importance Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a recognized therapy for treatment-resistant depression and has been studied for its potential in managing chronic pain. Knowing the intrinsic relationship between pain and depressive symptomatology, it is essential to study effective treatments that can address both conditions.Objective To assess the impact of TMS on depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic pain through a systematic review of the literature.Design Systematic review.Setting Electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies published up to November 2023.Participants A total of 1339 unique patients with chronic pain who underwent TMS treatment and were evaluated for both pain and depressive symptoms.Intervention(s) or Exposure(s) Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied using various protocols in chronic pain populations.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s) Changes in depressive symptomatology following TMS treatment. Secondary consideration was given to TMS safety and tolerability.Results The results showed heterogeneous protocols with widely different results in depressive symptomatology across the studies, precluding meta-analysis. TMS was considered a safe treatment option with minor side effects.Conclusions and Relevance The impact of TMS on depressive symptomatology among patients with chronic pain is a complex subject. Considering the diversity of the protocols and results encountered, future research should prioritize the establishment of standardized TMS protocols to clarify their efficacy in managing depressive symptoms among these patients. This systematic review highlights the need for further investigation of TMS as a dual therapeutic approach for chronic pain and depressive symptomatology, emphasizing the necessity of improving the protocols to enhance clinical outcomes

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17