The FDA recently approved a new transcranial magnetic stimulation device for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The device, from company MagVentures, offers the same kind of treatment as its existing transcranial magnetic stimulation machines, but with technical enhancements that reduce the treatment time per session from an average of 37 minutes to just three minutes.
Although transcranial magnetic stimulation was developed as early as 1985, research has yet to establish (or rule out) a conclusive benefit from the modality. Many patients report improvement and even remission of symptoms; the large-scale clinical data seems encouraging but less definitive, according to a 2014 review of published studies on the topic.
Still, for those currently undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment and finding it helpful, the lure of a three-minute version will be strong. Expect to see these in clinics in the coming year.
