Posted by twinleaf on May 6, 2008, at 20:09:25
In reply to Re: rTMS data presented at APA Conference..... » twinleaf, posted by Sigismund on May 6, 2008, at 19:06:35
For the past five years, I have been going approximately twice a year to Atlanta to have TMS, given by Dr. Mark Hutto. It always leaves me completely depression-free for at least two weeks, with mild depressive feelings for the next two weeks, and then a gradual return of a moderate to major depression by two months post-treatment. I usually have either four or six treatments each time I go; I always notice a lot of lifting of depression after one treatment, and by two treatments, I'm always depression-free. The additional treatments are sort of "insurance" since I have to come a long way.
If and when it is approved, I think I would do best having either two or three treatments once a month, or two treatments every two weeks, although even one might be adequate..
A word on how it works: it is known to increase blood flow to the left cerebral cortex (often reduced in severe depression) . It also reduces the levels of circulating cortisol- probably the most important precipitating factor in depression. It also restarts the growth of CA3 neurons in the hippocampus, and increases the levels of BDNF in the brain.
poster:twinleaf
thread:827547
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080430/msgs/827603.html