In some of the severest cases of clinical depression, electro-shock therapy is used--but there are some side effects using this therapy which include temporary memory impairment.

So Bonn University Psychiatrists have researched the use of a new treatment model for severe depression -- Brain Magnets -- called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TNS), with promising results.

In the small study, scientists treated 30 patients with either electro-shock therapy or magnetic stimulation and found virtually similar results with both. After a week of therapy, every second patient experienced some significant relief of depression a symptoms. But most importantly, patients treated with magnetic therapy didn't suffer any side effects such as memory loss.

Although these studies suggest what could be a better treatment model for severe depression in the future, the study was small and more research has to be completed before any final conclusions are made.

*Source: BetterHumans.com

Sites of Interest:
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National Institute of Mental Health

Additional Resources:
Free Depression Screening
Listening To Prozac: The Landmark Book About Antidepressants and the Remaking of the Self, Revised Edition

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Lisa Angelettie is an author, counselor, & coach on mental health, relationship, and other life issues for women. You can also visit her at www.GirlShrink.com for some Free Advice. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.