OCD and rTMS

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental disorder characterised by :

• Frequent, intrusive, recurring thoughts that are unwelcome.
• Repetitive compulsions, impulses or urges including checking, fear of contamination, hording etc.

Currently around 800.000 people living in the UK suffer from OCD.

Obsessive compulsive disorders is a disabling condition, which, despite the varied treatment options available, warrants further improvement in management strategies. TMS is a newer modality, which has shown promising results in patients suffering from this disorder.

Newer studies with more successful methodologies have demonstrated that TMS is indeed a safe and effective modality to manage OCD. Despite the promising results, there is a lot of scope for further research in the area, especially regarding the comparison of TMS with pharmacotherapy, and the long-term benefits of this therapy. With adequate development, TMS may prove to be a useful tool in the psychiatrist’s arsenal to tackle OCD.