Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD

A New Treatment for Adolescent Depression: FDA Approves Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The FDA got it right when they approved TMS therapy for adolescent depression (kids aged 15 and older). TMS is one of the most effective treatments for resistant depression. The decision to approve this treatment for kids is an absolute game-changer and will save many young lives. This article describes the dramatic impact of the FDA’s approval and covers research that shows TMS for kids to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective.

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Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD

Change Depressive Habits when the Wind Is at Your Back

While some people can change their habits through sheer willpower, many people need a source of motivation or energy to make meaningful change. This is especially true for people who experience depression. This article discusses depressive habits and strategies for changing them so that treatment for depression can be more effective and durable.

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Advocacy Len Lantz, MD Advocacy Len Lantz, MD

Action Needed from the FDA: Approval to Treat Adolescent Depression with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, one of the most effective treatments for major depression, has been FDA approved for adults for 14 years. The FDA has not yet approved TMS for adolescent depression even though they approved a TMS device for migraine headaches in children. This article reviews research that shows TMS for adolescent depression to be safe, feasible, and effective.

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Advocacy Len Lantz, MD Advocacy Len Lantz, MD

Universal Screening for Depression and Sustained Sadness in Kids to Prevent Youth Suicide

Screening kids for depression (and sustained sadness) and connecting them with mental health services is an effective step in preventing suicide in youth. This article reviews recent research that supports this intervention and includes other data that shows this approach to be logical, strategic, and a high-yield use of suicide prevention funding.

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Wellness Len Lantz, MD Wellness Len Lantz, MD

How Good is Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT)?

Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) is a computerized version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is delivered over the internet. This article addresses hard questions critics have about iCBT, research supporting its benefit, the impact it can have in communities and who can benefit from the treatment.

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Wellness Len Lantz, MD Wellness Len Lantz, MD

Supportive Psychotherapy: How Good is “Treatment as Usual”?

Supportive psychotherapy is commonly used as a comparison intervention or “treatment as usual” in mental health research studies. While it is often expected by the scientific elite to be less effective than newer, manualized therapies, it has been proven to be an effective intervention for many conditions. This article covers basic approaches in supportive psychotherapy and who might benefit from the treatment.

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Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD

How Record Keeping Can Help Treatment-Resistant Depression

Many people with longstanding depression believe that they have tried every treatment out there. A detailed review of their history often reveals that they are mistaken and that there are several strategies that they have never tried. This article addresses what information is needed to make a well-informed decision about what treatment to try next and how a history of past treatments combined with a strategic, methodical approach can open up options to newer and potentially more effective treatments.

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Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD

A Plan for Stubborn Depression

When depression hits, it’s nice when the first treatment that you try works. On the other hand, depression that gets partially better only to worsen again is frustrating and demoralizing. Having a plan for treatment-resistant depression will get you better faster. This article outlines basic steps that are part of a larger plan for getting rid of your depression.

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