Effects of low-frequency rTMS combined with antidepressants on depression in patients with post-stroke depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ConclusionThe results of this meta-analysis evidenced the efficacy and safety of low-rTMS combined with antidepressants in the treatment of depression in PSD patients. The combined therapy could reduce The depression state and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and enhance the cognitive function of patients. In addition, low-rTMS had fewer adverse effects, proving safety. However, there are shortcomings, such as a lack of long-term follow-up, different intervention sites of low-rTMS, and different intervention frequencies (0.5 or 1 Hz). Thus, in the future, RCTs with a larger sample size and longer-term observation are required to verify the efectiveness of low-rTMS combined therapy on PSD. Meantime, a new meta-analysis could be analysized, which intervention sites and frequency are more effective in treating PSD.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022376845.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology - Category: Neurology Source Type: research