Title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Shows Promise in Addressing Mental Health Issues
Subtitle: New therapeutic option brings hope for patients with depression and other conditions
Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spotlight on mental health problems, particularly depression, has intensified. In the face of these significant unmet needs within our communities, a new therapeutic option known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is gradually proving to be a valuable tool in addressing these concerns.
TMS has garnered attention not only for its potential in treating depression but also for its exploration in various other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic pain, and even slowing dementia symptoms.
But what do we know about this emerging treatment, and is it delivering on its promise for individuals battling depression?
How does TMS work and who is benefiting from it presently?
TMS involves the application of magnetic pulses through a coil placed on the scalp. As patients sit in a relaxed state, the magnetic field stimulates nerve cells in the brain, gradually restoring the disrupted brain circuits associated with depression. The intention is to reinstate normal brain region interaction.
Usually, the side effects of TMS are mild and temporary, including temporary scalp discomfort, headaches, tingling or facial twitching, and short-lived lightheadedness.
Clinical trials and real-world studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of TMS treatment for acute depressive episodes. More than 50% of patients receiving TMS treatment have reported positive outcomes. As a result, TMS received Medicare funding several years ago and has since been progressively rolled out across Australia.
However, there are still challenges with the current use of TMS treatment. Patients are required to visit the clinic daily, Monday to Friday, for four to six weeks, which proves to be both inefficient and costly.
Researchers are now focusing on developing “accelerated” protocols, which involve administering higher treatment doses over fewer days. Instead of spreading out the treatment dosage over a month or more, patients may receive four or five days of high-dose treatment in a single week. Studies conducted locally and overseas have shown more efficient delivery and rapid clinical benefits with these new treatment regimes.
What about TMS for other conditions?
In addition to depression, research is unveiling the potential benefits of TMS for other conditions. Different types of TMS, capable of stimulating deeper brain regions while originating from a scalp-based coil, have shown promising results in treating symptoms of OCD, a significant development considering the limited treatment options available for the disorder.
TMS has also exhibited promise in aiding addiction disorders. Trials have demonstrated its potential in helping patients quit smoking, with the percentage of patients abstaining from smoking doubling over the initial six-week period.
Chronic pain management is another area where TMS may prove valuable. Multiple approaches utilizing TMS technology have shown promise, although a defined and consistent clinical pathway has not yet been established.
Researchers, led by Professor Peter Enticott, are conducting world-leading research in Australia to develop TMS-based interventions to assist patients with autism in improving their social understanding and interaction.
Moreover, early-stage research is exploring whether TMS can alleviate symptoms of ADHD. While initial studies indicate that TMS can improve thinking abilities, primarily in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, further research is needed to determine its efficacy in addressing attention deficits in patients with ADHD.
Do the effects of TMS last?
Research on the long-term effects and the necessity of maintenance treatment with TMS for depression remains inconclusive. Some studies suggest that less frequent TMS sessions, such as one treatment every two weeks, may prevent the recurrence of depression in patients who have responded positively to the therapy. However, there is a lack of high-quality studies to convince Medicare to subsidize maintenance treatment.
Furthermore, Medicare does not currently fund TMS provision for patients experiencing recurrent depression. This creates a predicament for patients who have responded well to TMS in the past. Despite knowing that there is an effective treatment available, accessing it is often expensive or requires lengthy private hospital admissions.
In conclusion, TMS has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for depression and exhibits potential benefits for various other conditions. Despite challenges regarding the frequency of treatment and access to subsidization, ongoing research and development aim to improve the efficiency and accessibility of TMS. The growing evidence of its effectiveness offers hope for individuals grappling with mental health issues, shedding light on a brighter future for mental healthcare.
(This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.)