A non-invasive transcranial magnetic therapy procedure is indicated for patients with drug-resistant depression who have not benefited from medical treatment. Serazetdinova Valeria, head of the department of psychiatry at the Institute of the Human Brain named after NP Bekhtereva of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told socialbites.ca.
“The first treatment for depression is antidepressants, but they do not help everyone. If the patient does not respond to treatment, transcranial therapy can be tried. This method is highly effective when combined with drug therapy,” said Serazetdinova.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is the stimulation of the cerebral cortex using short, powerful magnetic pulses. As the doctor noted, with transcranial magnetotherapy, doctors can act locally in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Biochemical disorders, including defects in the transmission of electrical impulses in the prefrontal cortex and the synthesis of neurotransmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline), through which cells transmit signals to each other, can lead to classic depression symptoms. , for example, depression and apathy, low mood, decreased appetite, cognitive impairment.
“Transcranial magnetotherapy is performed in a hospital setting. Generally, patients need 10-20 sessions. It is necessary to inform the patient about possible minor undesirable effects. Side effects can manifest themselves in the form of somatic (nausea, tachycardia), mental (anxiety, agitation, irritability, fatigue), as well as mild pain in the affected area or of an irradiating character. Dizziness, nausea, overstimulation are more common, ”said the psychiatrist.
The doctor emphasized that in evidence-based medicine, antidepressants and antipsychotics are considered the most effective treatment for depression. Transcranial magnetotherapy may be an alternative treatment. In very rare cases of depression, electroconvulsive therapy is used, which can only be administered in specialized hospitals, if standard drug therapy has not helped.
Source: Gazeta
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