Neurostimulation: New Frontiers in Mental Health Treatment

In this episode of the Neurostimulation Podcast, host Dr. Michael Passmore, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, delves into a groundbreaking meta-analysis on the efficacy of neurostimulation techniques like TMS and tDCS across various mental disorders. Covering 208 randomized controlled trials, the discussion highlights the potential of these techniques in treating conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Passmore breaks down the results, emphasizing the importance of protocol standardization, discusses the implications for clinical practice, and explores future research directions and innovations in neurostimulation. Listeners are encouraged to consider the challenges and opportunities within this evolving field and to stay engaged for upcoming episodes focusing on personalized mental health care.

00:00 Welcome to the Neurostimulation Podcast

02:52 Introduction to Neurostimulation Techniques

07:12 Key Findings from the Meta-Analysis

11:06 Clinical Implications and Future Directions

17:29 Advanced Evidence-Based Critical Analysis

24:18 Summary and Final Thoughts

Study:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35365806/

Resources:

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Provides an overview of tDCS, its applications, and ongoing research into its efficacy for major depressive disorder. 

https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/therapeutic-brain-intervention-service

Wikipedia - Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation: Offers detailed information on the technique, its mechanisms, clinical applications, and current research findings. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_direct-current_stimulation

The Times - Discusses recent research on the efficacy and safety of home-based tDCS devices for treating depression.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/electrifying-your-brain-at-home-can-treat-depression-study-finds-btdbjz2gh

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Provides an overview of rTMS, its applications, and current research studies focusing on psychiatric conditions such as major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. 

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation

Nova Scotia Health: Offers a detailed pamphlet explaining how rTMS works, potential side effects, and what patients can expect during treatment sessions. 

https://www.nshealth.ca/patient-education-resources/1975

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: Discusses the use of rTMS as a treatment for depression, including patient experiences and insights from medical professionals. 

https://health.sunnybrook.ca/mental-health/rtms-depression-treatment/

Mental Health General: Provides an in-depth article on rTMS, covering its mechanisms, effectiveness, and the mental health conditions it may help treat. 

https://www.mentalhealthgeneral.com/repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-everything-you-need-to-know/

The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research: Features information on their Neuromodulation Research Clinic, which offers personalized rTMS treatments for depression and ongoing research initiatives. 

https://www.rtmsresearch-ottawa.ca/