Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder: Neurobiological Mechanisms and Clinical Translation

This scoping review examines scientific evidence for rTMS and related techniques (theta-burst stimulation, deep TMS) as therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant depression, evaluating their effectiveness and safety across clinical trials and laboratory studies. rTMS applied to the prefrontal cortex demonstrates significant antidepressant effects with generally mild, transient adverse effects, and research indicates it produces neurobiological changes in brain connectivity and neurotransmitter systems.