Depression can now be treated without drugs

refers to depression Without drugs, it is now possible. The Gregorio Marañon Hospital in Madrid uses a completely new technique that affects neural circuits. It consists of using transcranial magnetic stimulation and it’s not at all invasive. That’s what Gabriel, 49, who suffers from persistent chronic depression and is one of the patients undergoing this therapy, tells us.

personalized therapy It starts like this. “The first thing we do is put a swimming cap on where we mark the characteristics of the patient’s head, and at those points we stimulate,” describes Julio Prieto, head of the hospital’s neurophysiology department. Every head is unique, so it’s important to stimulate some points and not others. “What you’re doing is increasing the excitability of the neurons,” he explains.

Gabriel Ares is one of the patients who tried transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression: “The drugs weren’t working, so they recommended this treatment.” In this therapy, a coil sends small magnetic stimuli to a specific area of ​​the cerebral cortex, so it’s important not to move. “You notice a little tapping, like an MRI,” says the doctor. Several sessions are needed to achieve the effect. For Gabriel, this therapy has changed his life. “Was one before and one after“,” he admits.

He has been coming to the hospital for three years now. At first it was daily, now it’s weekly or monthly, depending on your condition. Consistency is important, and Gabriel is clear about it: “I’m doing great. You have goals and you’re feeling joy again.” He Gregorio Maranon Hospital He was a pioneer in the use of this technique. They now treat about 10 patients a day, and not just for depression. “You can already hear his voice on the phone when he’s not feeling well, and we try to make time for him,” says Labrador nurse Maite of Gabriel. The therapy is popular for its effectiveness and minimal side effects, and has been used in countries like the US for more than 10 years.

It is based on a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. The Food and Drug Administration has approved its use to treat other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines, and to help people quit smoking when traditional treatments have not worked.

During the session A. electromagnetic coil on the scalp. The coil emits magnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the area of ​​the brain that controls mood and depression. The goal is to activate areas of the brain that become less active during depression.