ARTICLE SUMMARY:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is slowly making inroads for the treatment of depression, but TMS has yet to hit the big-time. Payors balk at uncertain proof of efficacy and high up-front costs, while psychiatrists are trained to work with pharmaco- and behavioral therapy, not devices. As the current generation of TMS players struggles to raise awareness and change the depression treatment paradigm, a new generation of TMS systems is emerging that could be more effective.
Using electricity to fight mental disease isn’t new. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was developed in the 1930s; deep brain stimulation using a brain pacemaker, too, has a long history. But until recently psychiatrists haven’t had a device treatment option for depression that doesn’t require a trip to the operating room, and doesn’t come with significant risks.
