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Bluewater Health has new treatment for depression

Sarnia-Lambton residents suffering from major depression will now have access to a new, innovative treatment to help reduce their symptoms.

Bluewater Health says it was using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of major depression in patients, as part of its repertoire in treating those patients.

Treatments of rTMS are provided daily (excluding holidays and weekends) over a typical treatment course of four to six weeks. Bluewater Health has been offering the service to a number of eligible patients over the past few months, and the majority of those patients have seen their symptoms improving, the hospital said in a press release.

rTMS also has less risk of serious medical complications than a number of other medications used to treat psychiatric conditions. Bluewater Health is the first hospital in the Erie St. Clair region to offer this new service.

Consultation to use rTMS occurs by referral from a psychiatrist who determines a patient’s eligibility. Patients must be 18 years or older. If deemed effective, patients can be offered rTMS maintenance treatments.

“I noticed a change in my sleep pattern which has worked out for the better,” said patient Ralph Hare. “I fall asleep earlier, and sleep better throughout the night – that’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed. My motivation and mood is up, as well.”

“Sleep regulation is one of the most common changes patients notice,” said Bluewater Health’s Dr. Emmanuel Anyaegbuna, psychiatrist and medical director of the hospital’s mental health and addiction services. “That is a good sign that the treatment is doing what it should be. After that, patients start to feel clearer, like a fog has been lifted, and later on see improvement in mood.”

Source:https://www.sarniathisweek.com/