Adjunctive bilateral vs. unilateral or sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for major depressive disorder or bipolar depression: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (brTMS) has shown promise as a therapeutic approach for depression; however, evidence from existing studies remains inconsistent. To address the concern, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of brTMS in comparison with unilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (urTMS) or sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (srTMS) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BD).

Methods

A systematic search covering publications up to May 22, 2024, was performed across four main bibliographic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of brTMS vs. urTMS

SUBMITTER: Cai DB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12752119 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature