7 Healthcast: Depression therapy

Karen Day-Patient
"Less energy, very marked fatigue."

For three years, Karen Day searched for a treatment that would help with her depression.

Karen Day-Patient
"I didn't feel well, it was a very physical thing."

Medications caused unbearable side effects so her general physician recommended she look into transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Dr. Louis Costello- Psychiatrist
"Basically it delivers a magnetic pulse or excitement to turn on neuronal activity in the brain related to depression."

Karen underwent 37 minutes of treatment five days a week for six weeks.

Karen Day- Patient
"I picked up pretty quick that I was reaping some benefit in just the way I felt. I was just starting to feel better. I call it my effervescent feeling."

Dr. Louis Costello says the outpatient procedure is a revolutionary advancement in depression treatment because there are virtually no side effects.

Karen says the treatment gave her back a zest for life.

Karen Day- Patient
"I'm feeling really good."

She thought was gone forever.

People who cannot undergo an MRI will not qualify for TMS therapy.

The procedure costs about 7 to 10 thousand dollars for a course of treatment and that cost may or may not be covered by your insurance.

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