UAMS First in Nation to Offer Innovative Depression Therapy
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has made history by becoming the first medical facility in the United States to offer a groundbreaking therapeutic treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
This pioneering treatment, known as the SAINT® neuromodulation system, was developed by Magnus Medical, Inc., and has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It utilizes structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to pinpoint the optimal anatomical target for precise neurostimulation in individuals with major depression. This approach reduces treatment time significantly, from weeks to just five days.
In this accelerated treatment protocol, patients undergo an MRI scan to identify the target area. The SAINT system then delivers a specialized pattern of magnetic pulses to cause neurons to fire and rebuild connectivity. The treatment consists of 10 sessions per day for five consecutive days, with each session including 10 minutes of stimulation followed by a 50-minute rest period.
- The SAINT protocol has been proven to be highly effective in clinical trials, with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms observed in patients at four weeks post-treatment.
- This innovative therapy provides neuroscience-based, targeted, personalized, and non-invasive rapid treatment for patients with major depression.
- UAMS is uniquely positioned to implement the SAINT protocol effectively, with their interventional psychiatry program, the Helen L. Porter and James T. Dyke Brain Imaging Research Center, and inpatient and outpatient treatment programs all housed under one roof.
In addition to the SAINT neuromodulation system, UAMS’ Interventional Psychiatry program offers several other treatment options for individuals whose depression has not responded to traditional medication- and psychotherapy-based treatments. These treatments include Spravato (intranasal ketamine), intravenous ketamine, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
New patients will be seen for a consultation appointment with the Interventional Psychiatry program at PRI, where they will receive an in-depth psychiatric evaluation with one of the interventional psychiatrists specializing in the care of patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression.
