Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences Towards Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Among Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

Perspectives on TMS Among Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists

Abstract

Objective: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive modulation technique. While TMS is used in many fields among adult patients, its use in child and adolescent mental health is limited. This study aims to evaluate levels of knowledge, clinical experiences, and attitudes of child and adolescent psychiatrists regarding TMS and to identify potential barriers and facilitators to the application of TMS.
Methods: The study included 115 child and adolescent psychiatrists actively working in various institutions across Türkiye. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire that inquired about participants’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge levels, experiences, perceptions of efficacy and safety, and training regarding TMS protocols.
Results: While 68.7% of participants reported having a “low” general knowledge about TMS, 96.5% had received no formal training in this area. Although the indication for major depressive disorder was known to 93.9% of participants, only 8.7% of physicians had experience with TMS in the pediatric patient group. The biggest barriers to clinical practice were reported to be problems accessing equipment and a lack of information or training. The successful clinical case studies and increased training opportunities emerged as the most important facilitating factors.
CONCLUSION: Although professionals in child and adolescent psychiatry have a positive view of TMS therapy and show strong interest in learning about it, there are deficiencies in training and experience. To ensure the safe and evidence-based use of TMS, it is implement structured TMS training and to increase its accessibility in hospitals.