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Summit Brain Health, San Jose CA

Summit Brain Health, San Jose CA

MeRT Treatment for Autism, TBI, Concussion, Depression, PTSD and Brain Optimization

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TMS for Major Depressive Disorder: Why it Should be a First-Line Treatment

Smiling woman with arms outstretched

November 21, 2022 By Anne Hill

TMS is a key component of MeRT treatment for depression. And a recent article in the Psychiatric News provides compelling evidence that TMS should be first-line treatment for moderate to severe Major Depressive Disorder. (A first-line treatment simply means one that a patient receives first.) 

Article on TMS for DepressionThe article was written by Dr. Richard Bermudez, the chief medical officer at Mindful Health Solutions in San Francisco and an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Bermudez has been using TMS in his practice since 2009. 

In the article, he discusses the APA (American Psychiatric Association) Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, published in 2010. In those guidelines, the APA states that there’s not enough evidence to support the use of TMS as an initial treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.

However, Dr. Bermudez points out, the past ten years of studies paint a different picture. He writes:

Given the growing compelling evidence, TMS should be offered as a treatment option for patients who are treatment naïve or who have failed one antidepressant in the current episode.” 

 

TMS for Major Depressive Disorder: Better Results and Fewer Side Effects

Per the article, the most recent studies show that TMS treatment for Major Depressive Disorder achieves better results than other forms of treatment. For example, patients treated with TMS have a 95% response rate and a 63% remission rate after six weeks. Medications, in comparison, achieved a 36% remission rate.

Plus, TMS treatment has none of the side effects common with SSRIs and other medications for depression. These include weight gain, premature diabetes, and sexual side effects.

 

How Does TMS Work to Treat Depression?

Woman receiving TMSTMS is a noninvasive procedure that uses gentle magnetic pulses to awaken parts of the brain that are underactive in people who suffer from depression. And TMS is a key part of our MeRT treatment protocol for depression.

The Mayo Clinic describes how physical changes to the brain can cause depression: 

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.”

TMS works to improve the function of these neurotransmitters. And TMS is an FDA-Cleared Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.

Combined with comprehensive EEG testing, we use TMS as part of the MeRT protocol to bring balance to brainwave activity. This treatment is precise and highly individualized for each patient. And we have seen some remarkable results with depression treatment using this form of targeted TMS:

I felt like I was alone even though I was surrounded by love and care. It was just a cloud that would linger over my life every now and again. The Brain Treatment Center helped me understand what was going on in my head and after a month of treatment, I was grateful to be DEPRESSION-FREE and MEDICATION-FREE for the first time in my life.” — MeRT Patient

 

Are You Suffering From Major Depressive Disorder?

Call Us Today. We are Here to Help.

Our New Patient Coordinator will take the time to answer your questions,
listen to your concerns, and explain our procedures. 

Call us: 650-750-1529

Or, fill in the form below, and we will contact you.

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Fill in the form below and we will contact you at a time that is convenient for you.
  • Absolute Contraindications:

    Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment include: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic legions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants.
  • Relative Contraindications:

    Relative contraindications (requiring closer protocol attention, but not disqualifying someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment:) include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant.

 

 

Our New Patient Coordinator is happy to talk with you, explain our treatment protocols and fees and answer any questions you may have.

Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Consultation

650-750-1529

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Summit Brain Health

1762 Technology Drive, Suite 116
San Jose, CA 95110

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408-352-5592


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