Background: Unipolar depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and has a high impact at individual and societal level. Commonly used treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy are often not effective.
Aim: To determine the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and direct current stimulation (tDCS) as minimally invasive forms of treatment for unipolar depression.
Method: We searched the literature.
Results: rTMS is effective in treating unipolar depression and is comparable to existing forms of medication and behavioural therapy. The effects of tDCS are promising, but more research is needed.
Conclusion: rTMS is a useful addition to the existing arsenal of treatment for unipolar depression.