Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an evidence-based option for people whose depression has not responded to more common treatments, like medication or psychotherapy. rTMS has shown clinically meaningful efficacy in these patients.

rTMS is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, with response rates of about 50% with few associated side effects. Also, rTMS treatment does not require anesthesia, medical accompaniment, or result in lost productivity hours post-procedure.

A cushioned helmet is placed on the patient’s head while sitting comfortably in a chair. The device delivers targeted magnetic pulses to the areas of your brain involved in mood regulation. Depending on the treatment protocol, each session is 3- 20 minutes. One course of treatment is 30 session (five days/week for six weeks). Most people can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.

The program is available via referral, to adults (18+) with depression where medication and/or psychotherapy has not improved symptoms. There are some situations where rTMS may not be recommended:

• Certain medical conditions, specific medications, or metal implants in or near the head
• Individuals with a history of certain neurological conditions, such as seizures

Your health care provider will discuss with you to determine whether rTMS is safe and appropriate for you. Referrals are completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or psychiatrist and based on eligibility criteria.

ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. The treatment is administered by a team of trained medical professionals that includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.

ECT has a long history that dates back to the late 1930s. Many advances have been made since then making the practice a modern and well-established medical procedure.

ECT is used to safely and effectively treat various mental illnesses including major depression major depression a complex mood disorder where an individual has a severe and persistent low or depressed mood, decreased interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation or agitation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts. , bipolar disorder (mania, depression and mixed state) bipolar disorder (mania, depression and mixed state) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks. , schizophrenia schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how people think, feel and behave. It may result in a mix of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior. , schizoaffective disorder schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by a mix of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression, mania and a milder form of mania called hypomania. , catatonia catatonia a complex neuropsychiatric behavioral syndrome that is characterized by abnormal movements, immobility, abnormal behaviors, and withdrawal. , neuroleptic malignant syndrome neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to antipsychotic medications. , perinatal disorders perinatal disorders a mental health disorder experienced during pregnancy, after having a new baby, adopting, or experiencing pregnancy/infant loss. and Parkinson’s disease.

There are growing reports suggesting its benefit in treating post stroke depression, delirium delirium is a mental state in which you are confused, disoriented, and not able to think or remember clearly. , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable, unwanted and recurring thoughts or images that are intrusive and cause distress (obsessions), and engages in repetitive behaviors to relieve the stress of the obsessions (compulsions). , chronic pain and self-injurious behavior in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as a lack of reciprocal social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behavior. These symptoms can happen on a spectrum of severity and type. and intellectual disability.

Other factors that determine treatment with ECT include:

• Nature and severity of symptomology;
• Treatment history, particularly treatment resistance;
• Risk versus benefit; and
• Patient preference.

Recent research suggests that ECT works by changing neurons in your brain through growth and reorganization.