Groundbreaking Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has become the first medical facility in the United States to offer an innovative therapeutic treatment for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). This groundbreaking therapy is made possible through the SAINT® neuromodulation system developed by Magnus Medical, Inc., which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
This new approach marks a significant departure from traditional treatment methods, using cutting-edge technology to provide a more targeted and efficient solution for patients who have not benefited from antidepressant medications. The SAINT system leverages the combined powers of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to pinpoint the optimal anatomical target for precise neurostimulation, reducing treatment time from weeks to just five days.
In the five-day treatment protocol, patients undergo an MRI scan to identify the exact point for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), followed by ten TMS sessions per day, each consisting of ten minutes of stimulation and a 50-minute rest period. Clinical trials have shown remarkable results, with significant reductions in depressive symptoms observed four weeks post-treatment.
UAMS’s premier facility is well-equipped to provide this new treatment, bringing together a range of mental health experts and cutting-edge research facilities under one roof. The Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI) houses the Helen L. Porter and James T. Dyke Brain Imaging Research Center, where the MRI scans are performed, as well as extensive inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. This integrated approach ensures seamless collaboration between healthcare professionals to tailor the SAINT protocol to each individual patient’s needs.
In addition to the SAINT neuromodulation system, UAMS’s Interventional Psychiatry program also offers several other treatment options for treatment-resistant depression, including Spravato (intranasal ketamine), intravenous ketamine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation. Potential patients can schedule a consultation with the Interventional Psychiatry program to determine the best course of treatment for their unique needs.
