Magnetic stimulation is not quite as effective as ECT in
treating endogenous depression. Endogenous depression, or "inborn" depression is
the result of faulty neurotransmitters in an individual. High frequency magnetic
stimulation is more effective than low frequency magnetic stimulation. However, the high
frequency stimulation also has a greater risk of seizure for patients.
The vagus nerve is located in the upper part of the body and
it also effects heart conduction. There are serious risks involved in this treatment and
it should be used only as a last resort. The vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been tried
in the treatment of depression in patients who failed to respond to either medication and
behavioral therapy or ECT. Forty to fifty percent of these patients responded to VNS.
Both VNS and Transcraniveraniol Magnetic Stimulation show
promise in treating refractory depression. Refractory depression is that which has not
responded to behavioral therapy and medication. More study on the risks associated with
these treatments is needed and neither of these treatments has been approved by the Food
and Drug Administration. While these new treatments have something to offer consumers,
they are not at the point where we can recommend their use.
