TMS Helps Treat Depression

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, was helpful in treating depression.

Lead study author Dr. John P. O’Reardon of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine said TMS is a non-invasive technique that excites neurons in the brain via magnetic pulses passed through the scalp — is a safe and effective, non-drug treatment with minimal side effects for patients with major depression who have tried other treatment options without benefit.

TMS provides a well-tolerated treatment option to patients whose depression is otherwise treatment resistant, O’Reardon said in a statement. Since TMS is administered via the scalp and therefore goes directly to the brain, it allows the patient to avoid bodily side effects such as weight gain, sedation and/or sexual function.

The study, published in the Dec. 1 issue of Biological Psychiatry, was conducted at 23 sites in the United States, Australia and Canada, and involved 301 medication-free patients with major depression.

The patients were randomized to active or sham TMS for four to six weeks. Response and remission rates with active TMS were approximately twice those of sham, there were no unexpected, serious side effects.