Posted by deli on July 28, 2002, at 20:57:13
In reply to Re: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation anyone?, posted by LostBoyinNC1 on July 28, 2002, at 0:23:48
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> I can understand that. Id be in it just for the PET scan hehehe. Basically it sounds like they want to do functional neuroimaging of your brain to determine what parts are active and not active and learn more about the specifics of your mental illness. This type of imaging technology is experimental like rTMS and hasnt yet filtered down to regular clinical psychiatry yet. However, unlike the rTMS, this functional neuroimaging technology can be very helpful to some people with mental illness as it can help give doctors a better, less subjective idea of whats exactly wrong with you.
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> However keep in mind that for a PET or SPECT scan they generally require you to have been off all meds for at least two weeks. If you are doing well now, it doesnt make much sense to go off your meds. Also, those rTMS trials are really more for refractorily depressed folks. Not for people whose meds are working good. So there is an ethical aspect of it here. If you were like "nothing works doc" and the drugs didnt work at all Id say it would be worth it, providing you didnt have to travel far. But its kind of unethical to try to get into an rTMS trial just to get a wham bam expensive physical and PET scan when youre doing OK. Just my personal opinion. Someone else who is not in good condition might need your rTMS slot a lot more than you need it.
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> > Well, if your meds are working good Id say hold off. If your meds are not working then go for it. Even though I think you will find ECT in the end will probably fix your problem more effectively.
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> Actually, they have any trials where they do ECT with a PET scan? That would be a good deal.
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You're right. I am not about to discontinue my meds for anything. The coordinator I spoke with told me that only Topamax would have to be discontinued. I know it's strange because what kind of controlled study that would be. Who knows what new things they're trying now. About taking someone's place who may need it more, I will not lie to these people. If I feel better when they interview me, I will tell them. I hope that's the case. Seeing the way I have been feeling lately, I think my meds are beginning to do their magic, so I may not even qualify because I am too content. Darn!;)
poster:deli
thread:113936
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/114067.html