A primary research on the effect and safety of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left orbitofrontal cortex in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Objective To primarily explore the efficacy, onset time and safety of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left orbitofrontal cortex (LOFC) on obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD). Methods Twenty-four OCD patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups, one group (n=12) with sertraline and rTMS, the other group (n=12) with sertraline and sham rTMS. The stimulus parameter was 80%-110% motor threshold, 1 Hz, 5 sessions per week. The efficacy was assessed by using Y-BOCS, HAMD and HAMA at base line, 2, 4 and 6th week after treatment, and the safety by recording Adverse Event and Severe Adverse Event. Results The scores of Y-BOCS(F=23.401, P 0.05). No severe adverse events happened. Conclusions Low frequency rTMS over the LOFC combined drug may have potential advantages in OCD with faster effect than drug. But the finding needs to be verified in large sample with randomized controlled trials. Key words: Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Treatment outcome; Onset time