Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on depression symptoms and cognitive function in treating patients with postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used to treat postpartum depression (PPD), but its effectiveness is still uncertain. To evaluate the effect of rTMS on depression symptoms and recognition function in patients with PPD, we systematically searched CNKI, WanFang, VIP, EMbase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database from inception to June 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) in English or Chinese concerning PPD in women treated with rTMS. Reference lists were also searched. RCT were included if they compared rTMS with no intervention or sham in patients with PPD. Related data was extracted and risk of bias was assessed by two investigators independently. Of 81 identified studies, 14 met our inclusion criteria (n=884 participants). Compared with control group, rTMS treatment yielded a reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score, and improved the cognitive function of patients with PPD. Current evidence of RCT showed that rTMS could improve depression symptoms and cognitive function in patients with PPD.