Dublin Hospital to Introduce New Treatment for Depression Using Magnetic Pulses
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Loading... - Valeria Barrera
- 27 Feb 2025
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St John of God Hospital in Dublin has announced that it will be the first hospital in Ireland to offer a groundbreaking treatment for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression. The hospital will introduce Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy, a non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, promoting the formation of new neural connections and helping to regulate mood.
Clinical studies have shown promising results for rTMS therapy, with approximately 50% of patients experiencing significant relief from their depression symptoms. Notably, about one-third of those treated achieve complete remission. This innovative treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found success with conventional depression therapies.
The rTMS service at St John of God Hospital is consultant-led and can be administered on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for anesthesia. Patients can expect to undergo a typical treatment course consisting of daily sessions over four to six weeks, with each session lasting between 20 to 40 minutes. Importantly, patients are able to drive, work, and resume their daily activities immediately after their sessions.
Dr. Simon Mitchell, consultant psychiatrist and head of neuromodulation services at the hospital, emphasized the significance of this treatment in advancing mental health services. He expressed optimism that rTMS therapy offers new hope to patients who have struggled to find relief through traditional methods.
The treatment has been approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2008 and has also received endorsement from the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
In Ireland, the need for effective mental health treatments is pressing, with 12% of young people aged 15-24 reporting chronic depression—the highest rate in Europe. Overall, around 4.5% of the European population experiences depression, with women affected at higher rates (8.8%) compared to men (5.3%).
The introduction of rTMS therapy at St John of God Hospital marks a significant step forward in providing innovative treatment options for those battling depression, offering hope for improved mental health outcomes in the community.
