TMS for refractory major depression

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Thursday, December 30. 2010

TMS for refractory major depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

I am only recently hearing about this new thing. I don't know whether it sounds more like voodoo or more like light shock treatment. It is said to work for some, but I wonder how much is placebo effect.

Psychiatrists are setting up centers to provide this. It is very expensive.

Posted by Dr. Joy Bliss in Psychology, and Dr. Bliss at 13:11 | Comments (10) | Trackbacks (0)

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New? Sounds like Mesmer's work.

#1 DrTorch on 2010-12-30 13:15 (Reply)

A few years ago I worked as a photographer's assistant on a shoot for a device company who had just designed one of these new units to enter the market. Thankfully it was a dummy unit and it wasn't active. I don't know what made me more skeptical: its concept or the price tag.

#2 DB on 2010-12-30 14:35 (Reply)

Is treatment covered by employer-based insurance? Then, of course, it's expensive.

#3 jma on 2010-12-30 15:48 (Reply)

Ever hear of magnetic bracelets or belly bands for joint and back pain? Works for some, not for a majority of others?

Same thing only in this case, they are using MRI machines.

And if it is effective, then why don't folks using MRI machines for diagnostic purposes feel better mentally and physically after having one done? I can attest to it not happening because I've had more MRI than the average person and I feel the same coming out as I did going in. :>)

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :>)

#4 Tom Francis on 2010-12-30 16:17 (Reply)

A most interesting story is the constant and creative repackaging of snake oil. Perhaps even more interesting is how hard the intellectuals fall for the snake oil each and every time.

#5 Maddog on 2010-12-30 17:16 (Reply)

Maybe it tickles.

#6 Blasco on 2010-12-30 17:23 (Reply)

I'll strap some refrigerator magnets on your head and pay a pretty girl to slap you across the face for half of whatever they're charging... You'll feel better. Trust me.

#7 Tom Armstrong (Link) on 2010-12-30 18:49 (Reply)

I have a medical degree and some knowledge both of magnetism, radiology and radioactivity. I can offer this treatment to all people rich enough to give me their money in quantities adequate to sustain my ability to spend it.

#8 thehawkreturns on 2010-12-30 21:45 (Reply)

Again, people don't actually know anything, so they make jokes about it. The analogies folks are making here don't fit.

Of course, if you'd rather have medication side-effects, go right ahead. Or you can continue to pretend that not being depressed is a result of your wonderful outlook and tremendous character.

It's building a good track record even though it's new. Well beyond placebo effect, thanks. Not testimonials signed by E.K., Muncie Indiana, but clinical trials. People try to move psychiatry forward on a scientific basis rather than theories of what they think should work, dammit, and this is the response.

I do wonder if Vagus nerve stimulation will do even better, but that's even younger.

#9 Assistant Village Idiot (Link) on 2011-01-01 15:04 (Reply)

I quote from the "best evidence" presented for this treatment: the numbers n =190 are too small to be very meaningful, multisite trials at these numbers are less reliable also. Interesting results but I am frankly amazed the FDA can do anything more than suggest bigger and better studies. The idea that doctors are setting up treatment centres is utterly depressing. These people aren't doctors in the sense of science and treatment. They are taking money for hope. Like the church?

"Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been promoted as a potential treatment for depression; however, given that previous studies have had mixed outcomes there has been uncertainty about whether it actually works. Now, a multisite research team from North America[1] has tested whether daily left prefrontal rTMS safely and effectively treats major depressive disorder in a prospective, multisite, randomized, sham-controlled trial of 190 patients who received 3 weeks of treatment or sham, and 3 weeks' follow-up. .........there is still a need for further trials comparing the efficacy of rTMS with antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy."

#10 thehawkreturns on 2011-01-14 01:39 (Reply)

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Thursday, December 30. 2010

TMS for refractory major depression