The definition of treatment-resistant depression might surprise you. It doesn't mean that you've tried medication after medication without getting much if any relief. It can mean that you've tried a single medication for the recommended time, often 4-6 weeks, following your doctor's instructions (e.g., no doses skipped) while participating in psychotherapy, but your symptoms haven't improved much or not at all.
TMS is applied to this area
of the brain.Dr. Kira Stein of the West Coast TMS Institute, in Part 2 of her interview with Andy Behrman, discusses treatment-resistant depression and introduces us to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which has shown to be an effective therapy for this type of depression. TMS is, in fact, approved by the FDA for major depressive episodes that haven't responded to the first medication prescribed.
TMS is applied to this area
of the brain.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Treatment-Resistant Depression
The next part of the interview will explore a typical TMS session from start to finish.
Are there many side effects with TMS?
Does it cause memory loss or headaches like ECT can?
Thank you.