Section - CAP Smart Takes

04. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Children

Published on April 1, 2024 Certification expiration date: April 1, 2027

David R. Rosenberg, M.D.

Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience - Wayne State University School of Medicine

Key Points

Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques are emerging as potential treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders in children, demonstrating positive safety profiles when used correctly.
Epilepsy or active seizures are contraindications to using these techniques; patients with these conditions should be excluded.
Clinicians should ensure that child-sized earplugs are used during the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation to prevent potential hearing deficits.

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Greetings, I am David Rosenberg. In this edition of CAP Smart Take, we will examine the role of technology in treating children and adolescents with a range of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders—specifically, the safety of noninvasive brain stimulation in these age groups. By noninvasive brain stimulation, we are referring to techniques, such as transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). There has been a surge of research in adults demonstrating increasing efficacy. The FDA has approved TMS for compassionate treatment of refractory depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, it remains largely unexplored in children and adolescents. Despite its increased application in this age group, there is a significant lack of research.

This study is timely; we know that between 2022–23 specifically, there were numerous studies supporting the safety of TMS and TES in children and adolescents when followed according to specific protocols. The authors adeptly discuss the parameters for

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05. Long-Term Efficacy of Escitalopram in Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder

Learning Objectives:

Recognize that at 3-year follow-up, 3 in 4 pediatric patients with OCD were in clinical remission.
Recognize that although not statistically significant, combining probiotics with methylphenidate was associated with higher therapeutic efficacy in patients with ADHD.
Analyze the effectiveness of ECT in treating adolescents with severe depressive episodes and suicidality.
Recognize that studies to date support the safety of transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in children and adolescents.
Recognize that escitalopram was not superior to placebo for relapse prevention in adolescents with MDD.

Original Release Date: April 1, 2024

Expiration Date: April 1, 2027

Experts: David Rosenberg, M.D.

Medical Editor: Lorena Rodriguez, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

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Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.