Electric Therapy Can Relieve Depression

New treatment using currents can help when meds don't

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2008 12:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – People with major depression that doesn't respond to medication may get relief from a therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the cortex, the Wall Street Journal reports. In a clinical trial, transcranial magnetic stimulation worked in about a quarter of patients—about twice the success rate of patients on a placebo.

It led to “improvement in mood, sleep, appetite, energy level, and a restoration of hopefulness and self-esteem,” says a psychiatrist. Though TMS doesn't have the sexual and weight-gain side effects of some drugs, it’s not recommended until patients have tried more than one antidepressant. But with the treatment, “we're standing at the threshold of a new family of therapeutic interventions," the psychiatrist adds.

TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the left prefrontal cortex. (Neuronetics)

Neuronetics' Neurostar is the first FDA-approved TMS system. (Neuronetics)

A new treatment may help depression sufferers who don't respond to meds. (Shutterstock)

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New treatment using currents can help when meds don't

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Depression May Be Good for Us

In some, it can lead to positive changes

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May pave way for new drugs, scientists say

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He's a candidate for borderline personality disorder

Mental, Not Physical, Illness Hospitalizes Most US Troops

As mental illness increases, cost of care skyrockets

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Exercise in fresh air boosts mood; for greater benefits, just add water

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New treatment using currents can help when meds don't

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

depression • psychiatry • mental health • psychiatric disorders • psychotherapy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Depression May Be Good for Us

In some, it can lead to positive changes

Key Depression Gene Identified

May pave way for new drugs, scientists say

Darth Vader Just Needed Pyschotherapy

He's a candidate for borderline personality disorder

Mental, Not Physical, Illness Hospitalizes Most US Troops

As mental illness increases, cost of care skyrockets

Outdoor Workouts Improve Mental Health

Exercise in fresh air boosts mood; for greater benefits, just add water

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?