Interventions of interest, 2011 review: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy/interpersonal therapy

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating condition; on an annual basis, it is estimated that nearly 14 million Americans will have at least one episode of MDD. While definitions of so-called “treatment-resistant” depression vary, this generally refers to patients with persistent depression after attempted management with two or more medications.

A majority of the panel voted that evidence supports the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a new, emerging technique for treatment-resistant depression.

For questions or additional information, please contact info@icer.org

Final Documents

Below you will find the final documents from the assessment review process:

Final Evidence Report and Meeting SummaryDownload
Public CommentsDownload

ICER’s President Steve Pearson, MD, MSc stated:

“Our second public meeting of CEPAC addressed an area of great interest to the mental health community – patients who continue to have depressive symptoms after several failed treatment attempts. Through the AHRQ report and our supplemental analyses, CEPAC was able to review the current state of the evidence for established and emerging techniques aimed at providing relief for this patient population.  The members of CEPAC continue to provide policymakers, clinicians and patients with an objective voice on the current state of the scientific evidence for new and emerging interventions.”