Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Depression: A Clinical Case Study

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a disabling psychiatric condition with a high prevalence of treatment resistance, often requiring alternative neuromodulation approaches. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a non-invasive technique targeting frontolimbic circuits, particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), to modulate affective and cognitive regulation. We present a single-case clinical study of a 39-year-old female patient with moderate MDD who received 16 sessions of high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS over four weeks. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline, post-intervention, and at a six-month follow-up. Scores improved from 17 to 5 post-treatment and remained at 13 at the follow-up, indicating a sustained therapeutic response. The patient reported increased energy, motivation, and social reintegration. This case suggests the clinical utility and potential tolerability of rTMS in modulating affective networks in depression, while emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation due to the single-case design.