Applications

1196 – Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of depression

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation -
  • Pre-MSAC consultation -
  • Outcome Not supported

Application details

Reason for application

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Service or technology in this application

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a focal brain stimulation treatment. Small electrical currents that pass through an electromagnetic coil held near the patient’s scalp stimulate nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood regulation and depression (motor cortex). rTMS does not require an anaesthetic and there is no associated cognitive impairment or other serious side effects.

Medical condition this application addresses

Major Depression (DSM IV) is a disorder of mood with features of depressed mood, loss of energy and interest, loss of pleasure, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, sleep and appetite disturbance and suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Accompanying disability can be severe and lead to social and occupational disruption.

There are a range of different treatments available to treat major depressive disorders, including medication and psychological treatments. However, 10% to 30% of patients with major depression do not respond to antidepressant medication.

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 
    • 16 – 17 August 2012
    • 13 – 14 December 2012
  • ESC meeting:
    • 12 - 13 June 2014
  • MSAC meeting: 
    • 26 - 28 November 2014