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With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

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September 6, 2008

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: An experimental depression treatment

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By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

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Transcranial magnetic stimulation involves the application of an electromagnetic coil to the brain; this creates electromagnetic pulses that result in an antidepressant effect. This is not a treatment that is widely available. It has not yet been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression, so is still experimental.

Some clinical research trials are going on in the United States. TMS is used in patients with severe treatment-resistant depression. Pregnancy and having metal clips or other surgical metal in the brain are exclusions from receiving this treatment. Those at high risk for seizures are usually excluded as well.

An advantage to this treatment is that it does not require anesthesia like ECT does. Side effects are usually minimal and may include a tingling sensation at the treatment site or a headache. As the machine is quite loud, protective hearing equipment is supplied. Each treatment takes a couple of hours to administer and usually requires 5 treatments per week for up to six weeks. Therefore, this is a considerable time commitment.

You may contact your nearest tertiary medical center to see if a research trial is available. If it is available, they will screen potential patients. All research trials have inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Do any of you have experience with this experimental treatment?

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9 comments posted

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January 1, 2009 4:50 p.m.

I am going to get an assesment at mayo in a week. One of my potential treatment option is hopefully Rtms therapy. Does any one know what to expect at this assesment?

- lewis derry

November 23, 2008 9:05 p.m.

I think this treatment is being offered at the university of washington. The phone number I found was 206-744-2436. although I can't remember where I found it. I think this is where you call to participate in the clinical trials.

- rosemary

November 17, 2008 2:14 p.m.

Does anyone know of anywhere near ND a person could go to sign up for a study or get help. I have struggled with depression for over ten years and had tried every med. I am at a loss and willing to try anything to get better at this point. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

- Please Help

October 22, 2008 6:05 p.m.

Does anyone know where to obtain TMS treatments in the U.S.? I have had ECT treatments, which helped at first, but the side effects became too severe.

- Victor Clawson

October 1, 2008 10:49 a.m.

Thank you all for your interest in our depression blog! Please be constructive with your comments. We reserve the right to remove comments. We believe that spirituality and religion are a very important of a lot of people's lives. Not all people share the same views on this subject, so please keep this in mind when writing. What works for one person may not work for others. It can be upsetting when it seems like someone is pushing a doctrine on others.

- MC.Com Staff

September 30, 2008 6:11 p.m.

to al in the U.S., where did you get the treatment?

- lohmeier

September 13, 2008 8:52 p.m.

Hi there! Somehow depression is a kind of hard thing to deal with, but you can combat it, if you want to. It is a matter of attitude and a decision. Make it your habit to read a self help book, if you can't move a muscle because you're depressed just read or at least read. Nurture your mind, in doing so, you will begin to allow positivity to come in to you, allowing this positivity means learning to shun from negative people who do not need to be around. Then learn to get in tune with yourself, you yourself will quiet yourself which will eventually lead you to a step to a positive, peaceful life. If you think you're too negative & can't get the right help from others since you read good book you can always get the help you need inside of you then everything else will follows. One thing don't get rid that child in you, it will do you wonder. If you only have that faith, faith of a child. I know how it feels, choose to believe in a higher power, God reign supreme, He is faithful in his provision. God bless...

- Rosette from Philippines

September 9, 2008 2:51 p.m.

I have had rTMS treatment for a number of years, and have never even had a headache. Sometimes, you can feel the impact coming over you, other times you feel nothing. I'd definitely recommend it if you can find it in the US. I'm in Canada.

- al

September 8, 2008 2:59 p.m.

Would this new form of treatment be safer than the shock therapy they used to use? My step mother has become very depressed (she is now 83) but she nearly passed out when the doctor gave her a pill for her depression. I wonder if this new treatment might help. I would be really scared of the shock treatments, but this sounds like it might be more safe. Does anyone know if this really works?

- John m.