| Comparison | Outcome | Number of Subjects | Strength of Evidence* | Findings† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rTMS vs. sham | Changes in depressive severity | 34 | Low | 1 fair trial: rTMS produced better outcome than sham in young adult population (ages 18–37). |
| rTMS vs. sham | Changes in depressive severity | 20 | Low | 1 fair trial: rTMS produced better outcome than sham in older adults with post-stroke depression. |
| rTMS vs. sham | Response | 34 | Low | 1 fair trial: rTMS produces better response rates than sham in young adult population (ages 18–37). |
| rTMS vs. sham | Response | 20 | Low | 1 fair trial: no difference between rTMS and sham for older adults with post-stroke depression. |
| rTMS vs. sham | Remission | 20 | Low | 1 fair trial: no difference between rTMS and sham in older adults with post-stroke depression. |
rTMS = repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; vs. = versus
Strength of evidence is based on guidance provided in the AHRQ Methods Guide for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews; see text.
Good and fair designations relate to quality ratings for each study.
From: Executive Summary
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