Treatment Resistant Depression Flashcards
Pharmacological treatments
They have been asked to discuss other biological options eg
TMS
A magnetic field created by a coil placed close to the scalp induces a current in the cortex
Explaining TMS to patient:
During an rTMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. It’s thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in depression.
Though the biology of why rTMS works isn’t completely understood, the stimulation appears to impact how the brain is working, which in turn seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.
There are different ways to perform the procedure, and techniques may change as experts learn more about the most effective ways to perform treatments.
