Posted by Annie on April 17, 1999, at 14:45:55
In reply to Re: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/ TMS, posted by James on April 17, 1999, at 0:25:52
Last year I participated in a trial of rTMS (Repetive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). This (theoretically) double-blind trial was to study rTMS use in treatment of Major Depression. The site JohnB referenced above contains two excellent articles concerning TMS and rTms studies being done and the results and hopes for the future. Here is the url:
http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/journals/most/recent/issues/psyc/toc.htm
I was initially in a placebo group but was then given the real treatment. Each session (Monday to Friday for 2 weeks)consisted of 20 "stimulations".
I was considered a "partial responder". I felt somewhat better for a few days after the treatment ended, but the depression then returned full force. Personally, I think I would have received the same temporary benefit without the rTMS, since just visiting the hospital every day added some structure and purpose into my life. I do, however, have a friend who received a much more positive benefit from the same treatment. He said it was equal to the benefit received from ECT without the side effects, anesthesia and inconvenience of getting someone to drive him to and from treatment. Again, his positive response lasted not quite 2 weeks, but the treatment is so benign compared to ECT, he is pursuing maintenance treatment. There are many studies still being done at NIMH and at teaching hospital around the country. This information is availble on the www. Good luck. Annie
> See the articles in this weeks Archives of
> General Psychiatry (available online)
>
>
> > I would be very curious to hear from anyone who has undergone this treatment or from any clinician who has treated patients with TMS. I've read a great deal about this procedure and its promise demonstrated in some studies. Also, what's the latest information about it? FDA doing any testing now? Side-effects?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > JohnB.
poster:Annie
thread:4972
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/4991.html