Clinical Trial: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Postpartum Depression

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Effects on Clinical, Cognitive and Social Performance in Postpartum Depression

Brief Summary:

Several factors characterize repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a strategic aid in the treatment of postpartum depression.

However, up to current days there have been no studies evaluating the effects of rTMS on neurocognitive and social performance of women suffering from the disorder.

The present study evaluates the impacts of rTMS in clinical, cognitive and social performance.


Detailed Summary:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive technique that can influence specific areas of the brain and has very few side effects.

The treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation requires attendance to hospital daily sessions for 4 consecutive weeks. Each session lasts up to 30 minutes.

Side effects include scalp discomfort and mild headache. No anesthesia is required.

Stimulation aims the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region previously studied to treat depression symptoms with positive results.

The present technique has never been employed in previous studies, but risks are insignificant.


Sponsor: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

Current Primary Outcome: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]

Reduction on the scores of HDRS (as on the scores of Edinburgh Pospartum Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale; and improves the global clinical status in Clinical Global Impression, Global Assessment Scale and 36-item Short-form Health Survey - Quality of Life)


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Battery of Neuropsychological Tests and Social Adjustment Scale [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]

Performance of neuropsychological tests and social function - Trail Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Victoria Stroop Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, WAIS-III (adapted for use in Brazil) subtests Similarities, Picture Completion, Digit Span, Digit-Symbol Coding and Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report (SAS-SR; adapted for use in Brazil)


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Sao Paulo General Hospital

Dates:
Date Received: November 22, 2010
Date Started: August 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: October 10, 2011
Last Verified: October 2011