Throughout the world, over 300 million people suffer from depression. The effects of depression can be devastating to individuals and their families. The impact depression has on society is tremendous especially when considering economic consequences. While antidepressants provide relief for a few, the majority continue to struggle. This is where Neuronetics’ magnetic therapy for depression offers hope.
Magnetic therapy for depression is a relatively new option for the millions suffering from depression. Neuronetics Inc. has provided patients and healthcare providers impressive results with this new technique. Neuronetics’ system, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, uses magnetic therapy for depression with or without concurrent use of medications. The results are impressive.
How Does Magnetic Therapy for Depression Work?
The technical definition of Neuronetics’ NeuroStar Advanced System is transcranial magnetic stimulation system. The medical device looks like a dentist’s chair that reclines with a small magnetic stimulator attached. With a patient reclined, the stimulator delivers a highly focused magnetic pulse to the front part of the head. In doing so, tiny electrical currents form deep in the brain resulting in cell activation. This activation then releases neurotransmitters from the “mood regions” of the brain that alleviate symptoms of depression.
One of the common questions about magnetic therapy for depression relates to potential side effects. But other than some people experiencing mild discomfort at the site of the stimulation, the treatment is quite safe. In fact, it has much fewer side effects when compared to antidepressants.
It also has no impact on individuals’ ability to think or concentrate. This, as well as its level of effectiveness, are reasons Neuronetics’ system is attracting so much attention.
Magnetic Therapy for Depression Versus Antidepressants
When it comes to antidepressants, the numbers aren’t good. For those initially placed on an antidepressant for depression, slightly more than a quarter have an effective response long-term. The response rates are even less after the second or third trials of the drugs.
In contrast, two out of every three people treated with magnetic therapy for depression have a good response even after a year. Nearly half enjoy remission of their symptoms completely. Though monthly maintenance treatments may be needed, Neuronetics’ system appears both safer and more effective than antidepressants over time.
Notably, healthcare providers are realizing the benefits of magnetic therapy for depression. Neuronetics has installed over 900 units in the U.S. alone. Neuronetics is also entering into the Japanese healthcare market this coming year. With over two million magnetic therapy for depression sessions completed, strong evidence for its effectiveness is readily apparent.
Neuronetics – A Leader of Innovation in Medical Devices
Neuronetics recently announced its 2018 revenue earnings. In total, the company generated $52.8 million over the past year representing a growth of 31 percent. Neuronetics also recently went public in June with an IPO of $93.5 million.
After eight rounds of venture capital funding, and backers like GE and Pfizer, Neuronetics was recognized as the real deal. Its magnetic therapy for depression system accounts for the bulk of the company’s success.
For individuals with depression, Neuronetics offers a great option of care. Magnetic therapy for depression is recommended as a treatment of choice after initial antidepressants fail to show a response. As more patients realize its effectiveness and lower risk of side effects, it may ultimately be a first line treatment. Evidence so far certainly suggests this will likely be the case.