Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EMDR therapy in trauma: literature review with systematic search based on a clinical case

Virto-Farfan H.; Monzón A.I.C. · Gaceta Medica Boliviana (2026) · DOI: 10.47993/gmb.v49i1.1198

Resumen

Introduction: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although evidence on their combined use remains limited. Methods: a systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library, including randomized clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating TMS/rTMS or EMDR in PTSD and related disorders. Twenty studies were selected for narrative synthesis, and findings were integrated with a clinical case of a 23-year-old male with PTSD and severe major depression treated with bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal TMS and EMDR. Results: prefrontal rTMS, particularly right-sided or bilateral protocols, reduced PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, while EMDR showed efficacy comparable to trauma-focused therapies. In the case, traumatic distress decreased from 9/10 to 3/10. Conclusion: TMS and EMDR may be complementary, but controlled studies are needed.

Instituciones: Universidad Andina del Cusco