Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Sham-controlled studies, with crossover or parallel groups, were eligible for inclusion. Studies using other treatments for depression as a control, such as medication alone or electroconvulsive therapy, were excluded.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of rTMS using the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as the site of stimulation were eligible for inclusion. In the included studies, the frequency and intensity of stimulation, train duration, number of trains given per session, and the number of sessions varied (further details provided in the paper). The control condition received sham stimulation with the placement of a coil at an angle of 45 or 90 degrees.
Participants included in the review
Studies of patients diagnosed with depression (including major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder) were eligible for inclusion. Studies of patients resistant to medication, or receiving other medication in addition to rTMS, were included. Further patient characteristics were not provided.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies assessing the change from baseline for the 17-, 21-, or 25-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were eligible for inclusion.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two authors simultaneously selected the articles for inclusion. However, it was not stated whether they were blinded to the source or results of the studies, or how any disagreements were resolved.