UAMS Introduces Groundbreaking Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has made history by becoming the first facility in the United States to offer the SAINT neuromodulation system, a revolutionary treatment for major depressive disorder. This cutting-edge therapy uses an innovative combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target specific brain areas associated with depression, providing a more precise and effective treatment.
Unlike standard TMS treatments, which can take weeks to show results, the SAINT system has shown remarkable efficacy, with 79% of patients experiencing remission of symptoms within just five days. This accelerated recovery time offers new hope for individuals who have struggled with treatment-resistant depression.
How the SAINT System Works
- Patients undergo an MRI scan to map the optimal treatment targets in their brain.
- The MRI data is used to pinpoint the exact locations for TMS stimulation.
- Treatment consists of 10 sessions per day for five consecutive days, with each session involving 10 minutes of stimulation followed by a 50-minute rest period.
The SAINT system is being used to treat patients initially from UAMS’ inpatient unit, with hospital stays typically ranging from five to six days. The outpatient treatment is non-invasive, with the most common side effect being headaches.
This groundbreaking therapy marks a significant milestone in the battle against depression, offering a potentially life-changing solution for those who have previously found little relief from traditional treatments. As word of this breakthrough spreads, those struggling with major depressive disorder can now find renewed hope in the pioneering work at UAMS.
