Physical treatments are an important part of therapy for depression for many people. The physical treatments currently available are antidepressant medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), both or which are helpful to many people. A third option is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is currently only offered through research studies. TMS can be used before people have tried antidepressants, eg for those who prefer not to take a medication, or for those people who have troublesome side effects with medication or who have not improved with medication.
Official Title
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) A new Treatment for Depression in Adolescents?
Conditions
- 15-18 years of Age
- Depression
Study Type
Study Design
Further Details
TMS stands for "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation". Strong magnetic fields are used to stimulate the brain via a simple coil held to the head. While receiving stimulation, the person is fully awake and alert. There is no anaesthetic or seizure and memory is not affected. TMS has been used for about 15 years by neurologists to test brain function (e.g. nerve and muscle connections).
Researchers are investigating a form of TMS (involving repeated pulses) as a treatment for depression. More than 25 studies have been completed worldwide in adults and almost all reported that TMS improved depression. Though still considered experimental in adolescents, it is potentially an alternative treatment to antidepressants and ECT. TMS can be done on an outpatient basis and each session takes about 30 minutes. There are minimal side effects.
Study Start
Eligibility & Criteria
A University of NSW study at the Black Dog Institute building, Randwick is offering TMS as an experimental treatment for depression for those aged 15-18 years. The treatment is done each weekday at the hospital on an outpatient basis over 4-10 weeks. It is being offered to people with depression either as a first-up treatment, or as an alternative treatment to those who have not recovered with or cannot take antidepressant medication.
Total Enrolment
Contact Details
Ph. (02) 9382 3720
Email: tms@unsw.edu.au
Location:
TMS Study Coordinator
Black Dog Institute
Prince of Wales Hospital
Hospital Road, Randwick
NSW, AUS
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