Rutland Regional Medical Center Introduces Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a Drug-free Treatment for Depression

RUTLAND, VT – Psychiatric Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center have begun to treat patients suffering from depression with a new medication-free process known as NeuroStar^® Advanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS provides new hope for individuals who have previously had to rely on antidepressants to deliver relief. TMS treatments go directly to the brain, at the source of depression.

NeuroStar TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient treatment that revitalizes the dormant synapses in the brain that are underactive and affect mood. The treatment delivers magnetic impulses to this area triggering new synaptic connections and “waking up” the brain so that it functions the way it was meant to.

“I am so pleased we now have this technology available to patients in our community,” said Dr. Julie Poulin, Psychiatrist at Psychiatric Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “It is a revolutionary treatment that does not involve drugs or surgery, and it doesn’t have any of the common side effects associated with traditional antidepressants.”

The NeuroStar TMS clinic is managed by specially trained technicians who will deliver the treatments to patients over a period of 36 sessions. Patients relax in a comfortable chair while the treatment is underway. Some individuals will start to feel positive results within the first week of treatment, while some may not feel them until the very end of the treatment cycle. Everyone’s experience with NeuroStar TMS is different so completing the full 36 sessions is important for long-term success.

A real-world study reported that 83% of patients that completed treatment saw measurable improvement in their depression symptoms. The same study found that 62% of patients reported complete remission.

“Any changes to depression treatments should be done in consultation with one’s doctor,” said Dr. Poulin. “We are committed to helping community members in their mental health journey with NeuroStar TMS.”

During the TMS treatment, the patient’s referring physician will continue to provide medical care and medications they deem necessary. Once the TMS treatment is complete, the NeuroStar TMS specialists will provide a copy of the patient’s evaluation to the referring physician, and if needed, will coordinate care with the physician and discuss the evaluation and treatment recommendations.