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A timeline of CAMH impacts in brain stimulation research |
Brain stimulation
CAMH Research Impact Report 2019
- Brain stimulation
Brain stimulation for treatment and discovery
Brain stimulation is established
The first transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device is set up at CAMH in 1998 to study brain physiology. By 2002, its use is approved in treatment protocols at CAMH. The first studies in schizophrenia and depression begin within the next two years.
New forms of stimulation
The use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in depression begins in 2009, which lays the groundwork for PACt-MD, a large-scale study aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s dementia.
Expanding across CAMH
The formation of the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention in 2012 leads to an expansion of brain stimulation research, establishing the Centre as a hub of expertise and collaborative research for scientists across CAMH.
Suicide therapy, ECT alternative
A 2016 CAMH study in JAMA Psychiatry shows that brain cell activity can be measured to predict whether magnetic seizure therapy (MST) reduces suicidal thinking in people with severe depression.
A major multi-site study compares electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with MST, which may be a more acceptable treatment to patients than ECT.
Effectiveness at three minutes
A 2018 CAMH study in The Lancet shows that half of all patients respond to three-minute theta-burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and that one-third achieve remission from depression. These patients, whose depressive episodes averaged over two years, had at least one unsuccessful treatment with antidepressant therapy or psychotherapy in the past.
Future directions: PTSD, schizophrenia, autism and more
Different types of brain stimulation are investigated to treat a range of symptoms and to identify brain mechanisms in depression, autism, PTSD, schizophrenia and addiction.
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The Context:
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The first device
A prototype transcranial magnetic stimulation device is built in 1985 in the United Kingdom to study brain physiology. By the mid-1990s, studies begin on depression treatment.
Health Canada approval
In 2002, Health Canada approves repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration follows suit in 2008.
Increasing accessibility
In 2016, Health Quality Ontario recommends that rTMS be funded for patients with treatment-resistant depression when ECT, which is more effective, is not an option. Saskatchewan and Quebec are the only provinces that currently cover rTMS treatment costs.
