Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in geriatric psychiatry: A clinical overview

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used widely in adult patients with depression and resistant auditory hallucinations. There is a paucity of data for rTMS use in geriatric patients for these indications. Recent research has revealed newer avenues for the use of rTMS in clinical geriatric psychiatry practice which includes mild cognitive impairment and dementia. rTMS is also being looked at as an effective treatment when combined with cognitive training in the management of Alzheimer's disease. The present review discusses the various uses of rTMS in geriatric psychiatry. This paper analyzes the various studies done with rTMS in older patients in various indications and the safety and efficacy of the procedure are also evaluated. The need for further studies in this area using larger samples is also mentioned.