Centers offering neurotrophic stimulation as an approach to managing mental health disorders are available in Canada. The objective of this report is to review the literature for evidence of clinical effectiveness for the use of any component of neurotrophic stimulation alone or in combination with another component in patients with depression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A previous report addressed the clinical effectiveness of neurotrophic stimulation in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse disorders.

Contents

• CONTEXT AND POLICY ISSUES
• RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• KEY FINDINGS
• METHODS
  • Literature Search Strategy
  • Selection Criteria and Methods
  • Exclusion Criteria
  • Critical Appraisal of Individual Studies
• SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
  • Quantity of Research Available
  • Summary of Study Characteristics
  • Summary of Critical Appraisal
  • Summary of Findings
  • Limitations
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION OR POLICY MAKING
• REFERENCES
• ABBREVIATIONS
• APPENDIX 1 Selection of Included Studies
• APPENDIX 2 Characteristics of Included Systematic Reviews
• APPENDIX 3 Characteristics of Included Randomized Controlled Trials
• APPENDIX 4 Critical Appraisal of Included Systematic Reviews
• APPENDIX 5 Critical Appraisal of Included Randomized Controlled Trials
• APPENDIX 6 Main Study Findings and Authors’ Conclusions (Depression)
• APPENDIX 7 Main Study Findings and Authors’ Conclusions (Anxiety)

Disclaimer: The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. Rapid responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources and a summary of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. Rapid responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report.