Audio-Guided Mindfulness Meditation During Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Sessions for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Frontiers in Psychology August 17, 2021 Fiamma Cavallero, Michael C. Gold, Eric Tirrell et al.
Combining mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) guided audio exercises with daily transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions for major depressive disorder proved largely unfeasible. Of 29 depressed patients who started, 17 completed the 5-week protocol and 12 dropped out. Reasons for discontinuation included inability to meditate in the treatment setting and induction of negative mood states. TMS percussive sensations and clicking sounds hindered concentration on the audio narrator. Some patients felt overwhelmed, increased pressure, anxiety, or aggravation trying to meditate during TMS. The findings highlight numerous feasibility issues with delivering MBCT via guided audiotapes concurrently with TMS.