New Type of Depression Treatment Uses Magnets

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by FOX Charlotte

Story Created: Nov 16, 2011 at 12:03 AM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 16, 2011 at 12:03 AM EDT

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - 39-year-old Michelle Kincaid struggled with depression since her mid 20s.  She says, "I was a school teacher and the stress of teaching was almost unbearable at times."  And was sick of taking six medications to make her feel like her usual, happy self.  "One of the reasons that I did seek out a non-chemical treatment for my depression was because my husband and I are trying to start a family and I didn't want to be on a lot of medication," says Kincaid.

In August, she started transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.  She says, "I was nervous, I didn't know what kind of sensation I would feel."

The machine uses an MRI-strength magnet to create an electrical current in your brain, which Kincaid says feels like someone is tapping on your head.  The increase in brain activity makes many people feel better.

"If it were me, if it were a family member of mine, I would far rather see someone come in here every day for 40 minutes to get a treatment than to take a pill for the rest of their life," says Dr. Jason Mastor.  He is the only psychiatrist in the Charlotte market with a TMS machine.  

So far, he's had three patients, including Kincaid, successfully complete TMS therapy, which usually runs 4 - 6 weeks.  Mastor says, "The total treatment courses can run somewhere between $10,000 to $12,000."

It's not currently covered up front by many insurance programs, but Mastor says most claims are paid.  Kincaid is working with her insurance company and says the treatment is worth it.  She is now off all medication and feeling like herself again.  She says, "Don't suffer, don't suffer, because it's such a blessing when you're back to normal."

Dr.Mastor says TMS therapy is FDA approved.  He says the only side effect may be a sore scalp after a session, which includes 3,000 taps in a 40 minute period.
 

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