Posted by Pfinstegg on September 28, 2005, at 20:56:41
In reply to Re: **CORTISOL** » Sarah T., posted by SLS on September 28, 2005, at 2:20:11
I am in the lucky 50 percent of people who respond really well to TMS. As to the cortisol aspect, my 24-hour totals are normal; however, they do not go down to low levels in the evening, as they should. I'm also a DST non-suppressor. I feel so much better for a few weeks after treatment that I'm assuming that my cortisol function is more normal: however, I haven't had it checked right after; I'm a bit afraid to, in case I find it hasn't made any change, but I will in the future.
I have been reading from Mark George, and also hearing from Mark Hutto, who treats me, that the type of depression is not the most important factor in who responds well to TMS. In particular, people with bipolar tend to respond well; Mark George has a study showing good remissions with patients with severe bipolar with one weekly TMS treatment, plus medications. These were patients who did not respond to medications alone. I have MDD, probably kind of atypical, and I respond extremely well to four TMS treatments every two months. In fact, I feel great after two treatments, but have two extra for "insurance", since I have to travel quite a long way to get them.
Next July, Neonetics will be ready with a new, improved TMS machine, which will be more precise in its delivery of the EM impulses, and also, according to Dr. Hutto, will not cause as much pain as the present one does. I think FDA acceptance is expected at about the same time.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:558802
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050927/msgs/560805.html