Innovative Treatments for Depression (TMS)

Innovative treatments for Depression

A number of our clinics provide innovative programs using a number of new treatment tools, to offer hope to people with psychiatric disorders such as Depression. There treatments are particularly helpful for individuals who have struggled to achieve wellness with traditional therapies alone. These treatments are available under the supervision of Consultant Psychiatrists as part of a series of clinical trials.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a potential new treatment for depression and other psychiatric disorders. It has gained increasing attention in recent years as research is progressively conducted to establish its role in treatment programs. There is an emerging consensus that TMS does have antidepressant activity and may play a useful role in the treatment of patients with depression. This has lead to its approval for clinical use in a number of countries including the USA.

How does it work?

TMS uses a very focused magnetic field to activate specific areas of the brain. Repeated TMS stimulation progressively alters brain activity improving depression in some patients. TMS requires no anaesthesia or medication and generally you may go about normal activities immediately following the treatment.

What are the costs?

This treatments are available as an inpatient at one of our clinics. Your inpatient stay is generally covered by private health insurance or by Workcover, DVA and TAC. Patients are also welcome to self fund their admission to hospital to receive this treatment.

If you would like further information please contact 1 800 WE HELP (1800 93 4357)

Groundbreaking treatment for Depression Article- The Pulse Winter 2010

Further information about TMS and other innovative depression treatments may be found on the website of Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre.