Depression help

NeuroStar TMS, a pulse magnetic therapy treatment that is FDA-approved for depression, is now available from Dr. Anthony Michaels, a Birmingham psychiatrist affiliated with Providence-Providence Park Hospitals. Dr. Michaels, located at 189 Townsend Street, uses “the safe, effective high-powered magnets that pulse over the left prefrontal cortex of the brain where depression would be,” he said. NeuroStar has been FDA-approved for almost 10 years for patients 18 and up, with trials for adolescents currently underway. Michaels said there are encouraging signs for younger patients, and many have been helped. NeuroStar is covered by Medicare and Blue Cross for those over 18 for treatment that runs five times a week for six weeks, a half hour at a time. Some may need a booster later, and “lots of patients have their medication dosages reduced” after treatment.

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