AN ALTERNATIVE FUTURE IN PSYCHIATRY? A NOTE

INTRODUCTION

It is quite difficult predicting what may occur in the future, regardless of the topic. However, we would like to venture that future psychiatry may probably include the use of an innovation that is a rendition of the fMRI or related such as the rTMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.)

HISTORY

A serendipitous discovery occurred when a very depressed patient was analyzed in a

fMRI for reasons other than depression. In a relative period after the fMRI analysis, the patient exclaimed how good they felt. After a number of patients reported the same elated feelings, the nurse reported it to a number of attending physicians. The information was then passed on to psychiatrist.

Since then a number of preliminary studies suggest that a timed treatment that places an rTMS on the temporal lobes facilitates an increase in upward mood swing relative to sham treatments and is significant statistically.

DISCUSSION

If these findings should continue and numerous treatment modalities and timing are varied for maximum efficacy, we could find that this magnetic treatment strategy is a complimentary assist to psychotherapy and meds.

If one assumes that the psychobiological stimuli to depression, mania and other maladaptive brain pathologies is the delayed spark between neurological axons-dentrites , the fTMS or related technology appears to be a “brightener.” These early findings suggest that an off timed natural electrical spark surges or sluggish crawls through the nuerological system which negatively impacts levels of serotonin and/or other brain biochemistry causing depression or mania.

It would then be possible that patients dealing with depression may also stop by a psychiatric clinic for help through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or a related treatment.

CONCLUSION

It would appear that the future in psychiatry may be brain stimulation or some variation of it and the fTMS may be considered part of the psychiatric strategy or strategies to help future depressed patients