Effects of the combination of neurostimulation techniques in patients with mental disorders: A systematic review

Asian J Psychiatr. 2024 Jan:91:103863. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103863. Epub 2023 Dec 12.

Abstract

Background: despite years of development, response to neurostimulation remains partial and variable. Combining techniques could improve clinical efficacy and tolerance.

Objective: to examine the literature on the effects of combining several neurostimulation techniques in patients with mental disorders.

Methods: this systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines RESULTS: 23 studies were included. The most studied combination was electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) along with another neurostimulation technique in depression. The RCTs that showed a significant effect targeted the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, before ECT. Combining neurostimulation techniques is a promising field of research.

Keywords: Combination; Electroconvulsive therapy; Neurostimulation; Psychiatric disorders; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder, Major* / therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / methods
  • Treatment Outcome