REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (rTMS) A NEW METHOD IN THE TREATMENT OF MOOD DISORDERS

The purpose of the current study to investigate the theoretical foundations, researches and applications of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of mood disorders. For this purpose, the data was collected through a library review. The target population of the present study is all published scientific works including research papers, review articles, case reports, dissertations and books which are related to rTMS. The search for sources continued steadily until the final stages of the study and the collected data was analyzed using a qualitative method. Based on the existing literature, rTMS is defined as the induction of an electrical current inside the brain using a magnetic field outside the brain on the skull. The therapeutic application of rTMS includes a wide range of mental diseases (mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, etc.). In spite of safety concerns and possible side effects, many researchers have assumed a promising future for rTMS.