TMS is needed in Public Mental Health Services

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is essential for the comprehensive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Around Australia, it is widely available in private practice, but in few Public Mental Health Services. TMS is a revolutionary treatment. Using electromagnetic apparatus, the function of precise local and distant regions of the brain can be modulated, with minimal side effects. Half of patients with MDD do not respond to antidepressant medication. However, a large proportion of medication non-responders can be brought to remission using TMS. This intervention is cost-effective and availability in public practice should be increased.