The TMS Solutions' Depression & Treatment Blog 

Returning to Harvard is a homecoming of sorts.  I originally came here in 2006 for Dr. Alvaro Pascual-Leone’s course on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).    At that time, I knew virtually nothing about TMS other than it was a treatment that offered help to some of the nicest but most miserable patients I saw, those with a treatment resistant depression that my doctorate in psychology and doctorate in medicine offered little help.  Having two doctorates can be a humbling experience when you are so acutely aware of the limits both professions allow in helping others.

Topics: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

In the Wise Buy series of  MedPage Today 2.12.16 article written by contributing writer Paul Raeburn, he assesses therapies, both new and old, to determine if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment is not only a "wise choice", but also a "wise buy".

In summarizing Raeburn's article, he states that "TMS is rated as a cheaper and safer alternative than ECT, the other proven therapy for "refractory depression", ie., cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) which don't respond adequately to at least two courses of antidepressants.

Topics: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS Therapy

Depression is a serious illness, affecting approximately 16.1 million people in the U.S, and 350 million people worldwide. Depression is a "life stealer”, it grays over and weights down joy and vitality, and is becoming the largest health burden in world health. For years, medication has helped manage symptoms, however, many patients are just not satisfied with the results, nor the nasty side effects they get with the “cocktail” of standard drug based therapy.  There is hope…

Topics: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Dealing with Depression, TMS Therapy, Depression Solutions

Several patients have asked me about the "indication for TMS". They were not sure what indicated means, and were confused because they read articles about TMS being used for other conditions like PTSD, anxiety, Tinnitus and other issues.  Unfortunately, this is a concept that is misused frequently in sales and even confuses a few of my colleagues... 

Topics: About TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS Therapy, Treating Depression, TMS Solutions, FDA Approved, FDA Approved Devices, Depression Solutions, Commentary

 

We all love it when our patients get better...

Robert A. Sammons, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.

When asked to do a blog for this website, I must admit that I was less than interested in doing so for a number of reasons. It did not seem very professional and although I enjoy seeing photos of friends and hearing what they were doing, I did not think it was either of interest or appropriate for a medical site. Then, I realized "I have come early to a party", metaphorically speaking, for the second time in my life. 

Topics: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS Therapy, Treating Depression, TMS Solutions