Study Shows NeuroStar TMS Therapy(R) Improved Key Elements of Cognition in Patients with Major Depressiv...( Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT...),Health

Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), NeuroStar TMS Therapy Is Not Associated With Memory Loss

SAN FRANCISCO, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- New data presented today at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting in San Francisco demonstrated that NeuroStar(R) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy improved key areas of cognition in patients whose depression improved with NeuroStar treatment. Cognition is defined as the process of thought, and includes memory and the ability to think, concentrate, and make decisions. NeuroStar TMS produced significant improvements on both overall cognitive function and short-term verbal memory. These positive cognitive effects could not be fully accounted for by the improvement in mood alone.

Diminished ability to think, concentrate, and make decisions is a core symptom of depression. This is often further worsened by some common depression treatments, such as some classes of medications. Most notably, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), while extremely effective, has high rates of cognitive impairment and long-term or even permanent memory loss.

"In this study, NeuroStar TMS Therapy demonstrated no negative effect on cognition, and evidence suggests that it may even improve certain cognitive functions in depressed patients," said psychiatrist Phil Janicak, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Rush University-Chicago and a principal investigator of the trial. "Many patients, by virtue of their depression, already have diminished cognitive functioning. Receiving an effective treatment like TMS, which appears to have no adverse cognitive effects, may benefit millions of people who require alternate treatment options," Janicak added.

About the Study

Cognitive function was examined in a multi-site, randomized controlled trial of NeuroStar TMS Therapy in patients with pharmacoresistant major depressive diso
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