Objective       To determine the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) and MECT monotherapy in the treatment of depression and

memory function.       Methods       A total of 120 depressed patients hospitalized in our center from July 2012 to November 2013 were randomly divided into the combined therapy group (rTMS and MECT) and the monotherapy group (MECT and mimic rTMS)

60 patients in each group. Curative efficiency was evaluated by Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD)

and memory function was evaluated by Wechsler memory scale-revised (WMS-RC) and Behavioral memory testⅡ (RBMTⅡ). The 3 tests were carried out before the first MECT and after the 24 times’ rTMS or mimic rTMS.       Results       After the corresponding treatment

the HAMD score was decreased in both group(

P

<

0.05)

but that of he combined therapy group was changed more significantly(

P

<

0.05). The WMS-RC scores in accumulation

dorsal digital

picture

recognition

comprehension and association of WMS-RC were decreased in the 2 groups(

P

<

0.05)

and those of the combined therapy group were higher than the monotherapy group(

P

<

0.05). The scores of RBMTⅡ in remembering name

remembering hidden items

picture recognition

remembering a story (immediate and delayed)

face recognition

remembering a new route (immediate and delayed)

and remembering to deliver a message (immediate and delayed) were decreased at the end of the treatment in the both groups

and the scores of the combined therapy group were higher than the monotherapy group(

P

<

0.05).       Conclusion       MECT monotherapy and it plus rTMS exert equivalent efficacy in the treatment of depression

but the combination therapy has little effect on the memory function in the depressed patients.