Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive compulsive disorder.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric disorder that can be chronic and debilitating if not properly treated. Current first-line treatments for OCD include cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention and serotonin uptake inhibitor medications; however, these therapies are not effective for all individuals. AREAS COVERED Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) has been hypothesized to be an effective alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant OCD. dTMS has thought to be favorable due to its low side effect profile and its minimally invasive nature. EXPERT OPINION This review evaluates the current research on effectiveness of dTMS therapy for individuals with treatment-resistant OCD. This review also investigates shortcomings in current dTMS research and the hypothesized future of dTMS therapy.