New non-medicinal treatment helps with depression <\/p>\n
Sonia Azad, WFAA 8:46 AM. CST February 23, 2017 <\/p>\n
Judy receiving TMS treatment <\/p>\n
Fifteen million Americans live with depression. The most common way theyre treating it is with anti-depressant drugs, but half of them either cant tolerate the medicine, or they arent responding to it. <\/p>\n
Now doctors are using a non-invasive treatment for depression, and it seems to be offering promising results. <\/p>\n
I cant take care of myself. My husband takes care of me when I get this way, said Judy Davis. <\/p>\n
The 60-year old doesnt usually talk about the low points in life. But she did with us. <\/p>\n
Davis is a wife and grandmother who has lived with bipolar disorder for 38 years. <\/p>\n
Judy and her husband <\/p>\n
I'll become suicidal when I get depressed, and very, very ill,\" she said. <\/p>\n
Medicine after medicine didnt help Davis. Then she tried something different called Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. <\/p>\n
The magic is in a helmet that looks like a hair dryer at a salon. <\/p>\n
Try to imagine the brain like a strong battery, said Board Certified Psychiatrist Diana Ghelber. <\/p>\n
Dr. Ghelber explained how it all works: the helmet uses a magnet to stimulate parts of the brain that regulate mood. Neurons start firing -- creating connections, a rapid response, and over time, improved symptoms of depression. <\/p>\n
During the treatment we already notice a change, said Dr. Ghelber. A lot of times the family members and friends -- they notice a change before the patient is aware.\" <\/p>\n
Changes include better posture and eye contact, improved energy, even a shift in motivation and social engagement as early as two to three weeks into treatment. <\/p>\n
So far, Davis has received 30 TMS treatments, which each last about 20 minutes. She admitted there is some pain. <\/p>\n
It makes your lip quiver and it hurts your teeth, but it lasts for just a few seconds then it stops and starts again, said Davis, who was quick to add, But it's worth it.\" <\/p>\n
Davis said the pain is worth withstanding for the results and the relief it has offered. <\/p>\n
Ive been well, I'm on a low dose of medicine now. I feel great, said Davis, who described herself as happy and living a normal life for the first time in most of her adult life. <\/p>\n
I haven't felt this good in years,\" said Davis. <\/p>\n
TMS treatment is FDA-approved and Dr. Ghelber said most insurance will help to cover or reimburse the cost of treatment. <\/p>\n
( 2017 WFAA) <\/p>\n
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