The number of people experiencing depression is higher than it’s ever been. Specifically, new research from 2021 indicates that depression now affects ONE IN THREE adults in America! Additionally, according to a report from the CDC in 2020, from 2015 to 2018, 13.2% of adults had used an antidepressant for 30 days or longer. This was before the pandemic hit. In the earlier months of COVID, that figure tripled. So, based on this information, it is highly likely that antidepressant use has risen as well.
Antidepressants can be life-saving and can help improve the quality of life. In fact, they are one of the most popular medications prescribed by physicians, regardless of whether a person is diagnosed with mild depression or severe depression. They have their place and are an important tool in treatment.
If you have ever experienced chronic depression, you may know how hard it can be. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation can affect everyday life. Fatigue can be debilitating in and of itself. However, not everyone responds well to a specific medication and may need to experiment with others.
This can be frustrating as you experience new drugs, only to be let down again and again until the proper medication for YOU can be found. Some people don’t get any relief from these drugs, and the side effects can often be as bad as depression itself. Additionally, sometimes antidepressants can even lead to suicidal thoughts!
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We Understand What You are Going Through.
A Drug-Free Alternative for Treatment of Depression
Dr. Thomas Geraci at Summit Brain Health has brought an emerging technology to Northern California called MeRT, which stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. We have had high success rates in treating depression once and for all with this state-of-the-art treatment. It is also non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical and doesn’t have the side effects that can accompany antidepressant treatment.
Following are some common side effects of antidepressant use:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Loss of sex drive and/or other sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Increased sweating
- Digestive issues including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
- Tremors
- Feelings of numbness
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, 45,979 Americans died by suicide, and in the same year, over 1.2 million people attempted suicide. Also, suicide has been on the rise by teens and adults, with recent statistics showing that 8.9% of young people in grades 9-12 reported that they had made at least one suicide attempt in the past 12 months.”
These are some sobering statistics, and it’s very likely that these numbers have increased since 2020 when these studies were completed. If you are feeling suicidal, call 911 immediately, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).
How do Antidepressants Work?
There are many types of antidepressants, however, the most common ones prescribed are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is the primary mood-stabilizing hormone produced in the brain.
Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter, so it communicates signals between the nerve cells in the brain. And once it carries out its message, the nerve cells reabsorb it. SSRI types of antidepressants block the reabsorption of serotonin into these cells. MeRT treatment can also help to open up the neural pathways in the brain so that serotonin can flow properly.
Because SSRIs block the reabsorption back into the neurons, they leave more serotonin to continue to be carried between the neurons, which can help to regulate emotions. SSRIs may have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants, which is why they are more widely prescribed. However, they still do have them, and over time, your dosage may need to be increased to get the same results. This can then create more intense side effects.
MeRT is a Drug-Free Alternative to Antidepressants in San Jose
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy has been FDA-cleared for the treatment of Depression. MeRT utilizes TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) technology, however, it is highly customized to each individual, rather than a “one size fits all approach.”
When you become a patient with us, your first appointment will include a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), followed by a consultation with Dr. Geraci to go over your results. This test is simple and painless and produces a “brain map” which will show any dysregulation in the brain in addition to any areas of the brain that might not be communicating properly.
People who experience depression and anxiety have clear markers in their qEEG studies. However, everyone’s brain is as unique to them as their fingerprints, so the “brain mapping” identifies specifically what is going on with YOUR brain.
Once we are able to identify where the activity is imbalanced, we are then able to tailor a personalized treatment plan specific to you, which allows us to target the TMS in your brain.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
In order for MeRT to be effective and long-lasting, your treatment should take about six weeks. During this relatively short time, MeRT can often address symptoms of depression and anxiety permanently. Moreover, many people have reported that they no longer need antidepressants after going through their MeRT treatment. Appointments for treatment are approximately 30 minutes each day, Monday through Friday. Then, every two weeks, we repeat your qEEG to ensure that we are seeing changes in your brain patterns, and we will monitor you clinically to see what benefits you are experiencing.
For an additional in-depth explanation of how MeRT helps, please go to our What is MeRT page.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator With Your Questions
We are here for you and understand what you are going through, and it doesn’t cost anything to call us. We can answer any questions you might have and provide further explanations if needed. Also, we can explain the entire process, protocols, costs, and any other details that you would like to know.
This is a no-obligation consultation and we will take as much time as needed to talk with you. We want you to have the comprehensive knowledge needed so that you can decide if this is the right treatment for you.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
Or, Simply Complete the Form Below and We Will Contact You.
Contact Us
Fill in the form below and we will contact you at a time that is convenient for you.
Contact Us
Fill in the form below and we will contact you at a time that is convenient for you.