Publication Date
Fall 2025
Document Type
Poster
Primary Faculty (Chairperson)
Dr. Denise Ogorek
Secondary Faculty
Dr. Carol Kottwitz
Abstract
Nearly six million in the U.S. experience symptoms associated with the diagnoses of comorbid Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many with these diagnoses fail to respond to first line treatments that include medication and psychotherapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for individuals who fail to respond to first line treatments.
Methods: This program evaluation completed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD, who received TMS treatments at a private practice clinic between the time frame of September 2024 and October of 2025.
Results: All 30 patients completing the full course of TMS treatment had a reduction in their PHQ-9 scores, the average reduction was 10 points. In 83.3% (n=25) of the patients their PCL-5 score was less than 33 following a full course of TMS treatment; with an average reduction of 25.90 points for PCL-5 scores following a full course of TMS treatment.
Conclusion: This project found that TMS was a viable option for the patients with comorbid MDD and PTSD. Comorbid PTSD did not have a negative impact on the depression rating scale scores for individuals who completed a full course of TMS treatment. The findings suggest TMS should be continued at this clinic as an option for patients not responding to first line treatments.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Alec, "Program Evaluation of TMS Treatment for Patients with Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 11.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing_dnp/11
Research Paper