Safety and Feasibility of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Anxious Depression in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Background: The proper treatment of mood disorders occurring during pregnancy is a major therapeutic problem since no antidepressant medications have been established as safe for the developing fetus. Several double-blind placebo-controlled studies have explored the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in depression.

Case: We report the case of a 36-year-old woman in her second trimester of pregnancy, whose depression (DSM-IV) and anxiety were successfully treated with rTMS. Further studies of rTMS in depressed pregnant women appear warranted.