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.
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.
A Note to the Suicidal Christian
God does not want you to die by suicide. This article discusses the biblical and theological truth that we are called to persevere in difficult times, even during depression, anxiety, and other serious life events. There are basic steps that you can take to stay safe if you are feeling suicidal.
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.
Never Delay Dealing with Depression
Some people avoid dealing with their depression only to find out that they waited too long. This article addresses the reasons for dealing with depression immediately. Depression can become a pattern in the brain, so doing activities that alleviate depression and getting rid of your depression as quickly as possible will give you the best outcomes.
The Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA): An Enormous Step Forward in Mental Health Parity
The Strengthening Behavioral Health Parity Act (SBHPA) was a major step toward mental health parity in the US. Before its passage, many Americans, especially those with ERISA-based health plans, were not protected by federal and state mental health parity laws. This article describes the history of mental health parity and what people can do to advocate for themselves.
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.
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.
Helping Depressed Friends and Family
Helping someone you care about who is depressed can be a challenge, but your informed persistence can make all the difference. This article addresses ways of supporting the people you care about in their fight against depression.
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.
Stanford’s SAINT Study: a TMS Breakthrough for Depression?
It has been definitively proven that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. The researchers in the Stanford SAINT study achieved better results in a shorter time, getting 90.5% of severely depressed patients to full freedom from depression.
Your Safety Plan for Suicide Prevention
Everyone needs a safety plan. Death by suicide is usually attributable to depression, yet even people who have no depression at all are at risk of suicide at times of extreme stress and vulnerability. This article describes the nature of suicidal thoughts and how to develop a safety plan to prevent suicide.
The FDA’s Duty to Children’s Mental Health
50% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 14 and 75% of lifetime mental illness starts by age 24. It has been conclusively proven that mental illness is a disease of youth, yet the FDA has done little to approve mental health treatments for youth. This article addresses some of the enormous missteps by the FDA and what they – and you – can do today to improve the mental health of children.