Posted by Otherworldly on February 1, 2003, at 11:03:17
In reply to Re: rTMS - Where is it available? Any opinions?, posted by Dave1 on January 30, 2003, at 12:41:59
Hello --
I was part of a clinical trial of rTMS at NIMH a few years ago. I received a record number of treatments -- 100. I experienced some slight improvement; most notably, I slept soundly for the first time in years. But there was no real remission of my depression, and the positive effects, such as they were, only lasted a few weeks.
In subsequent conversations with the doctor conducting the trial, he told me that some of the initial studies showing robust effects from rTMS had been largely discredited. Studies being done now at NIHM use much higher frequencies, to the point where the procedure is not that different from ECT.
But even if the procedure is succesful for a given individual, the benefits can only be sustained through medication. Which brings you back to the usual dilemma: What drug will work for you, with side effects you can tolerate.
poster:Otherworldly
thread:137927
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030130/msgs/138725.html