Posted by Pfinstegg on August 27, 2003, at 19:07:49
In reply to Shure, I'll rephrase that, posted by linkadge on August 27, 2003, at 6:54:37
Well, this has been an interesting discussion, with a certain amount of vying for the unenviable title of "most depressed"! I am with you, Linkadge: prior to having TMS in January, I had Beck scores which ranged between the low 30's and the 40's; this was accompanied by severe insomnia and anxiety, as well as high cortisol levels and DST non-suppression. The treatment I received was to the left orbito-frontal area, exactly 5 cm in front of the area of the motor cortex which caused my right thumb to twitch. I received the maximum amount of electromagnetic current- I don't remember the exact figure, but my doctor said I might have a seizure, but said, "so?". It just wasn't a big deal at all, as they were prepared to cope with it safely. For four months afterwards, I felt entirely well, slept well, had Beck scores ranging from 0-11 (the normal range), and was leading a full and happy life. My cortisol levels were within normal limits, and I had reverted to being a DST suppressor.I was so thrilled, as I had been depressed for 10 years, at times very seriously. After four months, some depression returned (Beck scores 11-22), so I started Lexapro 10 mg., which helped a lot. Now, eight months after treatment, my Beck scores are in the 25-35 range, so I am returning to Atlanta for TMS "boosters" on Monday. This time, I will pay more attention to the frequency and intensity, in case you are interested. (I'm interested, too)
In my experience, it is a very valuable treatment for severe (Beck 30's), and even extreme depression (Beck 40's), for about 2/3rds of the people who get it. I think the coil placement and willingness to give maximum intensities were crucial to its being so helpful to me.
Well, that's my two cents worth!
Pfinstegg
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:253579
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254847.html