THE ROLE OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) IN THE TREATMENT OF DRUG-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: CLINICAL EFFICACY AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread and debilitating psychiatric condition that affects approximately 300 million people globally. It is ranked among the leading causes of years lived with disability and contributes significantly to the global disease burden. Despite the availability of a wide range of pharmacological treatments, a substantial proportion of patientsestimated at 20% to 30% — do not achieve adequate symptom relief. This group is classified as suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition associated with increased morbidity, higher suicide risk, and diminished social and occupational functioning.