clinical research

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for the Treatment of Depression - Research Study Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Who comes to the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory?

The TMS Lab specializes in treating adults who suffer from various types of mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder (manic-depression).  Our patients are diverse, ranging in age from 21-70.  Many have been treated in the past either with psychotherapy or with medication, while others are seeking treatment for the first time.  We offer new and innovative treatments for all people, even those for whom previous treatments have not been effective.

What can I expect during my first visit to the clinic?

The first consultation involves a comprehensive interview with an experienced psychiatrist and social worker.  During this interview you will be asked questions about your mood, sleep patterns, energy level and appetite.  In addition, it may be necessary to perform a simple blood test or physical examination so that we can accurately diagnose your illness and other medical conditions.  Upon completing the evaluation, your doctor will discuss with you the diagnosis of your illness, along with recommendations for treatment.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

The TMS lab is a leader in research on this potential, new treatment for psychiatric disorders. TMS is a non-invasive means of stimulating the brain using magnetic fields.  TMS is administered by holding a magnetic coil on the head.  The coil is about the size of a ping-pong paddle.  This coil generates a strong but brief magnetic field.  The field enters the brain, where it stimulates the brain cells, or neurons.  If the coil is held over the area of the brain that causes movement, the TMS will cause a twitch in the muscle whose brain representation we are focusing on.

TMS has proven to be a useful tool in studying brain function.  Combined with functional neuroimaging (PET, or fMRI), TMS can map brain circuits underlying complex functions like language, memory, vision, the control of movement, and even emotional processes.  Our clinical interest in TMS focuses on its potential utility as a focal treatment for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and other disorders.  Functional neuroimaging studies can teach us about the regions of the brain that are not functioning normally, and TMS can be applied to those regions in an attempt to normalize their function.  The idea is to target the intervention to the site of the problem.

Studies to date have suggested that TMS may be of some use in treating depression, but more studies are needed to teach us the proper dosage and how to select the patients most likely to respond to this form of treatment.   TMS remains experimental.  It is not currently approved by the Federal Drug Administration and is only available in the context of approved research studies.  The TMS Lab has conducted a number of studies with TMS in mood disorders, schizophrenia, OCD and in Parkinson’ disease.

What does the treatment entail?  What is the level of commitment required?

If eligible for one of our studies, you will have a physical exam, a routine blood work-up and an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to beginning treatment.   Routine visits to the clinic allow us to closely monitor you, providing optimal clinical care.   During each visit you will meet with your doctor and social worker to discuss your progress and the effectiveness of the treatment. The treatment entails a 3-week to 7-week period of daily weekday (M-F) visits to the clinic on an outpatient basis.  Patients who complete this treatment may be eligible for follow-up studies.

What is the cost of treatment?

There is none.  The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory is supported by private and public funding and all evaluation services are provided at no cost to the patient.  In addition, for those patients who are eligible for our studies, treatment is available at no cost.  This includes all doctor’s visits, routine lab work, any research treatment administered, and inpatient stay if required as part of the study.

FDA approval?

Since we specialize in innovative treatment, many of the treatments that we study are not yet FDA-approved.  All of our research studies, however, are conducted with approval of the NYSPI Investigational Review Board (research ethics committee).