2 ms·

> If someone is very treatment resistant, they will have tried TMS in the course of their treatment, [citation needed] A dear relative of mine has depression

> If someone is very treatment resistant, they will have tried TMS in the course of their treatment, [citation needed] A dear relative of mine has depression that medication has only sort of worked for, and they'd never even heard of this treatment before I just linked them to it. I think you're drastically overestimating how aware people are of more recent treatments. Not everyone is hyperconnected to new medical developments. Plus, making a fairly effective treatment work in five days vs six weeks is still a huge deal. And that helps answers your question of, "Why is the media doing this with old depression treatments that have been around for ages?" Because it's not actually that old, a lot of people don't know about it, AND it's a big step forward for the practicality of that treatment.

cupcake-unicorn 5y ago
I'm not saying it's not a huge deal. I wouldn't consider your relative necessarily treatment resistant. I'm talking about those of us who have been left behind. In my case, that's 15+ plus of over 30 medication trials (following the STAR-D algorithm as well), failed bilateral ECT, TMS, ketamine IV, trigeminal nerve stimulation, and more. I'm on disability for the depression. I'm not trying to invalidate your relative's situation but there are also people who have been stuck in the system for years like me and we need NEW OPTIONS. As I said, both things can be true. TMS being made faster is good, but we can't stop there, and that's my perspective on the article with someone with my lived experience. Not everyone knows someone this treatment resistant so I'm offering my unique experience about it. Your relative's experience and anyone who has tried a few meds or even hasn't and wants to try TMS is valid and I'm happy this exists. What I'm saying is that for the smaller population like me who has already been left behind this isn't going to help that much.

cupcake-unicorn 5y ago

I'm not saying it's not a huge deal. I wouldn't consider your relative necessarily treatment resistant. I'm talking about those of us who have been left behind. In my case, that's 15+ plus of over 30 medication trials (following the STAR-D algorithm as well), failed bilateral ECT, TMS, ketamine IV, trigeminal nerve stimulation, and more. I'm on disability for the depression. I'm not trying to invalidate your relative's situation but there are also people who have been stuck in the system for years like me and we need NEW OPTIONS. As I said, both things can be true. TMS being made faster is good, but we can't stop there, and that's my perspective on the article with someone with my lived experience. Not everyone knows someone this treatment resistant so I'm offering my unique experience about it. Your relative's experience and anyone who has tried a few meds or even hasn't and wants to try TMS is valid and I'm happy this exists. What I'm saying is that for the smaller population like me who has already been left behind this isn't going to help that much.