Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Depression. A Clinical Case Study

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling psychiatric condition with a high prevalence of treatment resistance, often requiring alternative neuromodulation approaches. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive technique targeting fronto-limbic circuits, particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), to modulate effective and cognitive regulation. We present a single-case clinical study of a 39-year-old female patient with moderate MDD who received 16 sessions of high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS over four weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up. Scores improved from 17 to 5 post-treatment, and remained at 13 at follow-up, indicating sustained therapeutic response. The patient reported enhanced energy, motivation, and social reintegration. This case suggests the potential clinical utility and tolerability of rTMS in modulating affective networks in depression, while emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation given the single-case design.