Journal Article

Envisioning Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a Clinical Treatment Option for Depression

Sampson, Shirlene M, Solvason, H Brent, Husain, Mustafa M

2007

Overview

Major depression is a common medical illness, which is projected to be second only to ischemic heart disease for global disease burden by 2020. Depression is often a recurrent illness and can be difficult to treat. Because an estimated 20% to 40% of patients fail to respond to antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, new treatment options for depression are needed. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Shirlene M. Sampson, MD, MSc, is with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN. H. Brent Solvason, MD, PhD, is with the Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. Mustafa Husain, MD, is with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX. Address correspondence to: Shirlene M. Sampson, MD, MSc, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905; fax [phone]; or email [e-mail] . Dr. Sampson is a research grant recipient for Neuronetics Inc. , developer of NeuroStar TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) System. Drs. Solvason and Husain disclosed no relevant financial relationships. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES Discuss technical considerations in performing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Discuss safety issues related to the use of TMS. Assess how to approach screening patients for possible TMS treatment for depression.

• Publisher: SLACK INCORPORATED