Advocacy Len Lantz, MD Advocacy Len Lantz, MD

FDA Action Needed: Approval of Maintenance Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is one of the safest and most effective treatments for major depression. The FDA has approved it to treat teenagers and adults but only for a time-limited course of care. For most people, that is all the treatment they need. For others, they require maintenance (continuation) TMS. This article reviews the research and rationale that shows the need for the FDA to approve maintenance TMS now.

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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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Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD Psychiatry Len Lantz, MD

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Depression

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been available for decades for the treatment of seizures and more recently for the treatment of depression. This article explains the theory behind how VNS works, its outcomes for bipolar and unipolar depression and the potential downsides of the treatment.

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