Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation in decreasing depression symptoms during the peripartum period: A systematic review

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been suggested as alternative treatments to decrease depression symptoms during the perinatal period. These include that do not require surgery and are nonpharmacological non-psychotherapeutic. NIBS with evidence of antidepressant effects repetitive transcranial magnetic (rTMS), electric (TES) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This systematic review aims summarize on efficacy, safety acceptability in treating peripartum (PPD). We included randomized, non-randomized case reports, used pregnancy postpartum. The reduction depressive neonatal were primary co-primary outcomes, respectively. rTMS shows promising results for treatment PPD, clinically significant decreases between baseline end overall good acceptability. Although profile is adequate postpartum, caution warranted pregnancy. In TES, efficacy derives mostly from single-arm studies, compromising encouraging findings. Further investigation necessary concerning ECT, clinical practice relies experience only described low-quality case-reports. reduced number controlled lack complete datasets serious/high risk bias reports warrant cautious interpretations. Existing limited across techniques; comparative studies lacking, standard parameters yet be established. benefits most robust research, future multicenter randomized trials needed determine position each strategy within pathways care.