A New Era for Treatment-Resistant Depression—CombininationTherapy of TMS and ketamine
Depression is tough—especially when nothing seems to work. For millions of people worldwide, treatment-resistant depression (TRD) means years of trying medications, therapies, and even advanced treatments like electroconvulsive therapy, usually inadequate relief. But what if there was a new way to break through the darkness?
A Promising Combination: TMS + ketamine
Researchers at The Neuroscience Center in Deerfield, IL, have been exploring an innovative approach: combining two cutting-edge treatments—transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine-based analgesia. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood regulation, while ketamine, an anesthetic, is also known for its rapid (though usually short-lived) antidepressant effects.
How Is This Done?
In this study, 28 patients with TRD received both treatments at the same time. TMS was delivered at higher-than-usual intensities, made possible because ketamine helped patients tolerate the increased stimulation. Each patient received between 10 and 30 sessions, depending on their individual response.
The Results: Long-Lasting Relief
The results were remarkable. Depression severity dropped significantly after treatment—and, even more impressively, this improvement lasted for at least two years. No major side effects were reported, and patients who had previously failed to respond to other therapies finally found relief.
Why It Matters
For those struggling with depression that doesn’t respond to standard treatments, this study offers new hope. The combination of TMS and ketamine could represent a major step forward in the fight against TRD - helping more people reclaim their lives from depression.
If you or someone you know is battling treatment-resistant depression, talk to your healthcare provider about emerging therapies. Hope is on the horizon!
Reference: Best SRD, Pavel DG, Haustrup N. Combination therapy with transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: A long-term retrospective review of clinical use. Heliyon. 2019.