What is depression?

Depression is a condition in which the mood is disturbed for a long time. This illness is common in the Netherlands. On average, 1 out of 6 adults experiences depression in his/her lifetime. Regular treatment for depression currently consists of medication and/or some form of psychological therapy. It is now clear that rTMS is also an effective treatment method for treating depression and it is increasingly being applied.

In case a depression does not improve after two previous treatments (with psychological therapy or antidepressants), so-called therapy-resistant depression, the rTMS depression treatment is reimbursed by (basic) health insurance. On average, 12% to 20% of people with depression have no, or insufficient, effect of existing antidepressant treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy.

Short video about depression

Do you have questions about the rTMS depression treatment?

    When is rTMS not or less suitable for you?

    • if you have/if your direct family has epilepsy
    • if you have had a brain stroke
    • if you have undergone neurosurgery
    • If you have metal implants in the head (not in the mouth), which are magnetisable
    • If you suffer from severe substance abuse

    You are less likely to benefit from rTMS if you have:

    • psychotic depression
    • severe personality disorder
    • when you have been unsuccessfully treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy (Electroshock Therapy)