Treatment relieves depression with electrical stimulation
Amanda Grace, KING 5 | August 26, 2016
Copyright© 2016 KING
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is being used for a number of different health problems, including depression with positive results.
Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is being used for treatment for a number of different health problems, including depression with positive results.
Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Unfortunately, medicine only can help half the time, so some people are getting relief in an unorthodox way.
“I’ve been depressed all my life. Crying a lot, suicide attempts, hospitalizations, medication after medication that didn’t seem to help,” said Kathryn Brokaw, a depression patient.
A simple smile we take for granted has been almost impossible for Brokaw.
Then she experienced the transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS device and found relief.
“It’s the best thing that’s happened since sliced bread,” said Brokaw.
TMS turns magnetic waves into mild electrical current, stimulating inactive areas in the brains of people with depression.
Psychiatry professor Glenn Currier said TMS is an option for people who aren’t helped by medication. He said TMS works for around seven out of 10 patients.