Posted by: Emily Craig Mailonline Deputy Health Editor
12:47 January 16, 2024, updated 14:12 January 16, 2024
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used for depression since the 1980s
- Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that MRI scans are more effective
Patients with depression could see their symptoms alleviated for up to six months through targeted brain stimulation using MRI scans.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to treat severe depression since the 1980s.
This involves targeting areas of the brain associated with depression with magnetic pulses, which have so far been found to reduce symptoms for up to three months.
However, researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that using MRI scans to pinpoint the exact region of the brain can double the time it takes for treatments to be effective.
One-fifth of patients went into remission from depression.
Two-thirds of those who responded to TMS experienced an improvement in their mood. Results related to memory, anxiety, and quality of life were also shown.
Antidepressants and antidepressant therapy are treatments for depression.
However, approximately one-third of patients have treatment-resistant depression, meaning these options do not provide relief.
Consultant psychiatrists can refer these patients to NHS TMS.
The study involved 255 patients with treatment-resistant depression who received 20 TMS sessions lasting up to 30 minutes over four to six weeks.
Before starting TMS, patients underwent MRI scans, which allowed researchers to pinpoint the areas where different brain systems involved in depression converge.
This step is not included in the regular course.
Treatment was performed using neuronavigation, a computerized tracking system that uses light to deliver TMS.
This allows us to pinpoint the stimulation area so that the same area is targeted during all 20 treatment sessions.
Patients who were conscious during the treatment received powerful magnetic pulses sent to the left side of their head, just in front of the temporal region of their scalp.
Professor Richard Morris, a psychiatrist at the University of Nottingham Medical School, said: “Ideally, when people come in for a TMS session they sit in exactly the same place, but this rarely happens.”
“This method uses light from both earlobes and the tip of the nose to measure stimulation points from the patient's first treatment.
“MRI personalizes the stimulation area and neuronavigation ensures that the same area is stimulated in each treatment session.
This reduces stimulation variability from session to session.
“Because we can focus the magnetic pulses, there are usually only mild, short-term side effects, and you can get back to your daily life as soon as you get back from the hospital.”
The results were published in a magazine natural medicineshowed that two-thirds of participants responded to treatment.
One-third of patients saw a 50% improvement in symptoms, and one-fifth of patients went into remission and remained in remission.
Professor Morris said: “Given that these patients have not responded to the previous two treatments and have had the disease for an average of seven years, it is surprising that we have seen such a remarkable response rate, with a fifth patient suffering from sustained disease.” It's really encouraging to see the response.”
“Patients who responded to treatment were able to stay in relatively better shape than before with just one or two treatments a year.
“The changes we saw were substantial, large enough to not only reduce symptoms of depression but also improve concentration, memory, anxiety, and subsequent quality of life. ”
The BRIGhTMIND trial was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council.
Professor Danny McCauley, Scientific Director of the NIHR Programme, said: “These are important findings showing that this new technology has the potential to offer significant benefits to patients with severe depression who have failed other treatments. ”.
