Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Treatment for Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic
By Nicole Bowens, PhD
Accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) may be a potential alternative treatment for depression in older adults who are unable to continue electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), according to a case study published in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
ECT is an effective therapy in older patients with severe major depressive disorder that has been resistant to treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate depression, particularly in older adults who may be experiencing greater stress due to various factors such as isolation.