Clinical Trial Offers New Hope for Adolescents Suffering From Depression

NASHVILLE, TN, March 3, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), regarded by an increasing number of psychiatric experts as the preferred treatment for individuals who suffer from treatment resistant Major Depressive Disorder, has recently led to positive breakthroughs for young people between the ages of 12 and 21.

In 2010, Dr. West was the first physician to offer TMS treatment in Tennessee.  He and the clinical staff at Nashville TMS have treated more than 300 patients. 

"It is so promising that Neuronetics, a leader in TMS technology, has launched a clinical trial to prove its safety and efficacy for that age group and is looking for qualified participants," said Scott West, MD of Nashville TMS.

Dr. Scott West, Medical Director, Nashville TMS

"Antidepressant medication isn't effective for some patients.  Or, they want to avoid the side effects of drug therapy. TMS gives them a viable choice with no side effects" observes Dr. West.  

According to 2014 figures from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 2.8 million or 13 percent, of children between 12 and 17 in the U.S. suffered at least one significant episode of anxiety or depression, which may qualify them to participate in this study.

 The trial, A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of NeuroStar® Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy in Depressed Adolescents designed by Neuronetics was launched in October 2015 but still needs participants.

Principal Investigators are currently recruiting 100 qualified participants throughout the United States and Alberta, Canada.  Applications are currently being accepted for all study locations: Gainesville Florida, Pensacola Florida, Louisville Kentucky, Baltimore Maryland, Rochester Minnesota, Lebanon New Hampshire, Cincinnati Ohio, Columbus Ohio, East Providence Rhode Island, Charleston South Carolina, Salt Lake City Utah, and Calgary Alberta Canada.

To learn more about this study, an individual of legal age or their doctor may contact the study research staff by accessing the contact information provided in the study details at clinicaltrials.gov:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02586688?term=neurostar&rank=1 

Interviews with Dr. West are scheduled on a limited basis.  Call to book availability.

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