In cases of recalcitrant depression, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be of value as an additional treatment option. The durability of the antidepressant effects of rTMS is not yet clear. This meta-analysis was designed to better understand the efficacy of rTMS over time.

A literature review was completed for studies of rTMS for the treatment of depression. From this search, 23 articles, published between 2002 and 2018, were chosen for inclusion in the review. From the studies were extracted response rates at three, six and 12 months.

After successful rTMS induction, among 732 patients from 18 studies, 66.5% demonstrated a sustained response at month three. Among the patients followed through six months, 52.9% were still responders, while, at 12 months, 46.3% were still responders. A positive predictor of a positive response at both three and six months was the inclusion of maintenance treatment. Compared to those who did not receive maintenance treatment, the response rates of those who received maintenance treatment were 35.8% higher at three months and 58.7% higher at six months.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of patients with depression treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation found that 66.5% were still responders at three months and 46.3% were responders at 12 months, with these results enhanced by maintenance therapy.