There is new hope for people suffering from depression. A new TMS therapy has shown promise in treating the condition. The treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is non-invasive and does not require surgery. This could be a breakthrough treatment for depression, affecting millions worldwide.
Does TMS work better than antidepressants?
The STAR*D study is the most extensive antidepressant study ever conducted, enrolling more than 4,000 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
To understand how effective antidepressants are in relieving depressive symptoms, researchers implemented a four-step treatment protocol:
- Level 1 (33% remission rate): All patients were treated with Citalopram.
- Level 2 (25% remission rate): Patients who did not achieve remission with level 1 treatment could choose whether they: a) keep taking Citalopram and augment treatment with a random different antidepressant or cognitive-behavioral therapy, or b) stop taking Citalopram and randomly receive treatment with a different antidepressant or start cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Level 3 (13-20% remission rate): Patients who did not achieve remission with level 2 treatment could choose whether they: a) keep taking their current treatment and augment treatment with a random different antidepressant or b) stop taking their current treatment randomly receive treatment with a different antidepressant.
- Level 4 (7-14% remission rate): Patients who did not achieve remission with level 3 treatment would suspend their current treatment and be randomized to receive a new antidepressant.
Each level of treatment was implemented at the maximally tolerated dosage for 14 weeks. Researchers found that after trying two antidepressants (at levels three and four of treatment), patients were less likely to achieve remission. This study clearly shows that some patients may be resistant to traditional depression treatments like antidepressant medications or have treatment-resistant depression.
Who should not get TMS?
Patients under 18 years of age or older than 68 years of age. Patients with a history of substance abuse. Patients with psychotic features include schizophrenic disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disease, or major depression with psychotic features.
How do you know if you are depressed?
5 Most common signs of depression
- Persistent depressed (low) mood. It’s natural to feel down from time to time. …
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. Sometimes we lose interest in things we used to love. …
- Feelings of worthlessness. …
- Poor concentration. …
- Thoughts of harming yourself
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please seek help from a mental health professional. Depression is a serious illness that can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both. If you are considering TMS therapy for your depression, please speak to your doctor about it. TMS therapy may be the right treatment option for you.