A non-invasive procedure known as transcranial magnetic therapy is indicated for individuals with depression that does not respond to standard medications. Valeria Serazetdinova, head of the psychiatry department at the Institute of the Human Brain named after NP Bekhtereva of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shared insights with socialbites.ca.
She explained that while antidepressants are typically the first line of treatment for depression, they do not help everyone. When patients fail to respond to conventional therapy, transcranial therapy is a viable option to consider. This method often yields better results when combined with ongoing pharmacological treatment.
Transcranial magnetotherapy works by delivering brief, strong magnetic pulses to the brain, enabling clinicians to target the cerebral cortex with precision. The clinician can focus on the prefrontal region, which plays a critical role in mood regulation and decision making. Disruptions in biochemical processes, including the transmission of electrical signals and the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline, are linked to the typical symptoms of depression, including low mood, apathy, reduced appetite, and cognitive changes.
In practice, transcranial magnetotherapy is administered in a hospital setting. Most patients undergo a course of about 10 to 20 sessions. It is important for patients to be informed about potential mild side effects that may occur. Reported adverse effects include physical symptoms such as nausea, a fast heartbeat, and mild pain at the treatment site, as well as mental symptoms like anxiety, irritability, or fatigue. Dizziness and overstimulation are among the more common experiences described by patients.
From a evidence-based medicine perspective, antidepressants and antipsychotic medications remain among the most effective options for depression. Transcranial magnetotherapy may serve as an alternative or adjunct when standard drug therapy does not achieve the desired response. In rare cases, electroconvulsive therapy is considered, but it is reserved for specialized hospital settings and typically after standard pharmacotherapy has been tried without success. This information reflects clinical practice and expert commentary from specialists in mood disorders, with ongoing research and professional guidelines guiding treatment choices, as cited by medical authorities in the field.