Researchers at UT Southwestern are testing a new treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to trigger seizures—showing promising results without some of the cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The 3D models here illustrate study findings, showing how the two differenct methods interact with the brain: MST (top left) uses a magnetic coil, while ECT (top right) uses electrodes. The bottom images show brain stimulation levels—red areas indicate stronger fields, blue areas weaker fields. [Image: UTSW]
A clinical trial led by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas could help bring an experimental treatment for depression closer to approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The trial has shown that the treatment, which triggers seizures with magnets, significantly improved mental health in patients without some cognitive effects associated with electroconvulsive therapy....
