Effects of H-coil TMS on suicidality in major depression: A secondary analysis of data from a multisite randomized trial comparing accelerated to once-a-day stimulation.

In 30 seconds

This secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial examined the effects of accelerated versus standard H-coil TMS on suicidality in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Both treatment protocols significantly reduced suicidal ideation, with the accelerated protocol showing a faster onset of improvement. The study underscores the potential of accelerated TMS for urgent symptom relief.

Key findings

• Both accelerated and standard Deep TMS protocols led to meaningful reductions in suicidality.
• The accelerated protocol achieved a faster onset of improvement in suicidal ideation.
• There was a trend for faster improvement in suicidality compared to overall depressive symptoms with the accelerated protocol.

Why it matters

Understanding the impact of treatment frequency on suicidality can guide clinicians in selecting appropriate interventions for patients with major depressive disorder, particularly those at risk for suicide who require rapid symptom relief.