Skip to main content

Table 1 rTMS studies in anorexia nervosa

From: The ethics of neuromodulation for anorexia nervosa: a focus on rTMS

Authors (year)

N

Patient characteristics

Treatment

Primary outcome

Kamolz et al. (2008)[24]

1

Gender: female

Treatment of comorbid depression in a female patient with AN.

Improvement in depression was observed, as well as weight gain and fewer ED symptoms. After 1st cycle, HAM-D scores decreased from 28 to 14. After 2nd cycle, HAM-D scores decreased from 18 to 10. After 3rd cycle, HAM-D scores decreased 18 to 11. During continuation therapy, HAM-D scores remained between 8 and 10.

Age: 24 yrs.

BMI: 12.4

1st cycle included 10 sessions within 16 days of high frequency rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. 2nd cycle included 6 sessions. 3rd cycle included 10 sessions.

DOI: app. 4 yrs.

Continuation therapy included twice weekly rTMS sessions for 8 weeks.

BMI increased to approximately 16 kg/m2 after 12 weeks of rTMS.

Van den Eynde et al. (2013)[25]

10

Gender: female

Delivered 1 session of high frequency rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

1 patient dropped out prematurely due to discomfort.

Mean age: 25 yrs.

On the visual analogue scale, significant reductions in feeling fat, feeling full, and anxiety, with a non-significant trend for decreased urge to exercise. No significant changes in mood, tension, hunger, “urge to eat” or “urge to restrict”. No reduction in cortisol levels, but found to be cardiac safe, as measured by blood pressure and heart rate.

ED-related experiences were measured pre-post following exposure to visual and food stimuli

(18-44)

Mean BMI: 15.7

(13.8-17.8)

DOI: 10 yrs (3–30)

McClelland et al. (2013)[26]

2

Patient A

Delivered 19–20 sessions of high frequency rTMS, applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Patient A

Gender: female

No change in weight at post-treatment or at 1-month follow-up. EDE-Q scores (except Eating Concern) were significantly lower at post-treatment and improvements were maintained at FUP. Some improvement in depression was observed.

Age: 23 yrs.

BMI: 15.7

Within-session changes in ED-related experiences were measured. BMI, ED symptoms, and depression measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up.

DOI: 12 yrs.

Patient B

Gender: female

Patient B

No change in weight at post-treatment or 1-month follow-up. Improvements in EDE-Q scores and depression were observed.

Age: 52

BMI: 16.4

  

DOI: 35 yrs.

  
  1. Note: rTMS = repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; BMI = body mass index (kg/m2); DOI = duration of illness; HAM-D = Hamilton Depression Scale; EDE-Q = Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, FUP = follow-up period.