Publication Reference
Masuda, F., Nakajima, S., Miyazaki, T., Tarumi, R., Ogyu, K., Wada, M., … & Noda, Y. (2019). Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review. Autism, 23(7), 1614-1629.
Article Summary*
This systematic review was performed to assess whether multiple sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have any efficacy in improving symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders within children and adolescents (≤21 years). A PubMed database search of articles published before and during the year 2018 identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria.
Twelve of the studies used standard rTMS and two used theta burst stimulation (TBS). None of the studies reported any severe adverse effects. For patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), low frequency rTMS and intermittent TBS applications were observed to have therapeutic effects on social functioning and repetitive behaviours. Low-frequency and high-frequency rTMS applications were observed to improve inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further, low frequency rTMS improved symptom severity in patients with tic disorder. The authors concluded that rTMS may be a promising intervention for these patient groups, and further large, randomized, controlled trials are warranted.
*For original abstract/publication see the link below.