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Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach

Treatment for Autism, PTSD, Depression

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TMS for Major Depressive Disorder: Why it Should be a First Choice for Treatment

An article in the October 2022 edition of Psychiatric News provides compelling evidence to consider TMS as a first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). And TMS is a key element of our MeRT treatment for Depression.

Article on TMS for DepressionDr. Richard Bermudez, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Francisco, wrote the article. He has been using TMS as a treatment for MDD for over a decade. 

He writes about how the APA (American Psychiatric Association) published its Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder in 2010.

In those guidelines, the APA states that there’s not enough evidence to support the use of TMS as an initial treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.

However, as Dr. Bermudez points out, a lot has changed since then. He cites the past ten years of studies that show the effectiveness of TMS as an initial treatment for MDD.

Per the article, patients treated with TMS have a 95% response rate and a 63% remission rate after six weeks. Medications, in comparison, achieved a 36% remission rate.

Plus, TMS treatment has none of the side effects common with depression medications. These include weight gain, premature diabetes, and sexual side effects.

Dr. Bermudez writes: 

As I read the guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder.”

…Given the growing compelling evidence, TMS should be offered as a treatment option for patients who are treatment naïve or who have failed one antidepressant in the current episode.” 

 

TMS for Major Depressive Disorder: How it Works

Woman receiving TMS

The Mayo Clinic describes how physical changes to the brain can cause depression: 

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.”

TMS is a key part of our MeRT protocol for depression, using magnetic waves to stimulate areas of the brain to improve communication, balance, and connectivity. It is non-invasive, painless, and requires no drugs or anesthesia. 

And TMS is an FDA-Cleared Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.

Combined with comprehensive EEG testing, we use precisely targeted TMS to bring balance to brainwave activity. This treatment is highly individualized for each patient. And we have seen some remarkable results with depression treatment with MeRT:

I felt like I was alone even though I was surrounded by love and care. It was just a cloud that would linger over my life every now and again. The Brain Treatment Center helped me understand what was going on in my head and after a month of treatment, I was grateful to be DEPRESSION-FREE and MEDICATION-FREE for the first time in my life.” — MeRT Patient

 

Call for a Free Consultation about MeRT Treatment for Depression

When you’re dealing with depression that hasn’t improved despite treatment, it’s normal to feel frustrated and isolated. You may have lost hope for any relief. We understand as we’ve seen many people in the same situation. Our goal is to help guide you through the MeRT treatment process so you can make the most informed decision.
 
To do that, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. During your phone consultation, she’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, put your mind at ease, and help schedule a consultation at our clinic.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 851-3086

 

Or fill in the form below and we will contact you.

Contact Us

For more information or to book a Consultation.

  • Absolute Contraindications

    Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic legions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants.
  • Relative Contraindications

    Relative contraindications require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant.

Our New Patient Coordinator is happy to talk with you, explain the our treatment protocols and fees and answer any questions you may have.

Contact our New Patient Coordinator for a Consultation

(949) 851-3086
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New Patients – (949) 647-5055

Existing Patients – 949-851-3086

Fax – (949) 398-8072

Address: 1601 Dove Street, Suite 275
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 4PM

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