New hope for patients suffering from depression

Dr. Edward Fruitman, Director of South Shoreoutpatient basis.
Neuropsychiatric in Hewlett, New York, is now offeringDuring treatment, the patient relaxes in a chair, similar
TMS ( Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy.to that used at a dentist’s office. During the
Using highly focused, MRI strength magnetic pulses,first session, patient relaxes in a comfortable chair
TMS activates a specific region of the left prefrontalsimilar to first-class airplane seat, while Dr. Fruitman and
cortex that is involved in depression. TMS is antrained TMS coordinator , K. C. Levitan, LMHC, properly
innovative treatment of Depression, that succeedslocate the stimulus site (Dorsilateral Prefrontal Cortex,
even when anti-depressants fail.an area implicated in Depression). During the following
TMS is FDA approved, and is found to be safe andsessions, the magnet is placed over the stimulus site
effective. TMS has been researched since the earlyand the magnetic pulses are administered at
1980s and is widely used around the world. But it wasscientifically-determined frequency and strength. Over
not until October 2008 that the FDA approveda period of about 40 minutes. TMS is typically
Neurostar® TMS device for the United States.administered five times a week over the course of
This device is especially designed for clinical use on anfour to six weeks.