Israeli scientists probe deeper to lift depression

By Corinne Heller

HOD HASHARON, Israel (Reuters) - Scientists in Israel are reaching deeper into the minds of the clinically depressed to try to lift their spirits.

Using a locally developed upgrade to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, they can now send electronic currents induced by alternating magnetic fields up to 8 cm (3 inches) into the brain to stimulate parts that had been out of reach.

The improved technology was developed in 2002 by Israeli scientists, led by Abraham Zangen at the Weizmann Institute of Science, and described that same year in an article published in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology.

In the article, Zangen and research colleagues said they expected to achieve "deep brain stimulation" without the need to increase the intensity of the current.

Israeli doctors are now conducting a clinical trial at Shalvata Mental Health Care Center in the central Israeli town of Hod Hasharon to test the device on patients for the first time.

They hope their findings will persuade the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the use of TMS to treat depression. The long-term effects of the method, which was developed in 1985 and has been used and tested worldwide, remain unknown.

"It's like rehabilitation for the damaged brain tissue," said Eran Harel, a psychiatrist heading the experimental treatments, which began in May. Some 30 volunteers, most of whom suffer from major depression, are taking part.

Psychiatrist Hilik Levkovitz, director of the Shalvata center, said preliminary results at the facility have been encouraging.

"Many patients improved with the treatment, in sleep function, appetite, mood," he said.

"Cognitive impairments went away and a patient felt well enough to return to work. Some patients reported headaches, dizziness. But for most it is very convenient."

Scientists participating in the study believe the improved TMS therapy could also help stroke victims or control various addictions more efficiently than conventional drug and surgical treatments, and with fewer side effects.

"It isn't painful. There's a bit of a strange feeling at first but (patients) get used to it very quickly," Harel said.

Previously, electronic pulses generated by TMS could penetrate only 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) into the brain, scientists taking part in the testing said.

WIRED HELMET

During the experimental TMS treatments, patients sit in a chair and wear a helmet made of wires, strapped under the chin.