| Abstract: | Edited by clinicians who have been involved with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) from the beginning, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Clinical Applications for Psychiatric Practice offers everything the mental health practitioner needs to know about this innovative--and now established--treatment. It is increasingly clear that different combinations of biological, neurobehavioral, and symptomatic factors contribute to the many "types" of depression. Fortunately, a growing number of therapeutic approaches, including TMS, are becoming available, providing more options to combat the disorder. However, information about identifying patients who may be good candidates for TMS and comanaging them during treatment is scarce because instruction on this modality has not yet been integrated into most psychiatry programs. This text fills a great need, providing an evidence-based foundation for the efficacy and safety of TMS. Despite the rapid growth of this innovative option, many practitioners are unclear about the best way to utilize TMS. The book addresses these clinical concerns systematically and thoroughly: Clinical vignettes illustrate how to identify appropriate patients for referral to a TMS clinician; material on defining treatment resistance, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, and preparing the patient for TMS is included. Because TMS is likely to be used concurrently with other treatments, the book explains how to best integrate this modality with psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and other forms of neuromodulation to enhance therapeutic results. In-depth coverage is provided on how to coordinate efforts between the primary treatment team and TMS practitioners to assure the best outcomes during acute, continuation, and maintenance treatment. Text focuses on understanding and applicability: Chapters provide a review of topic-specific literature, as well as clinical vignettes that highlight how TMS is integrated into patient care. Key clinical points summarize the optimal clinical application of TMS for the general mental health provider. The evolving nature of TMS research, such as the ongoing development of this and related technologies, as well as its expanding use as a potential treatment for other clinical neuropsychiatric conditions, is addressed. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and represents a critical public health challenge. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Clinical Applications for Psychiatric Practice teaches the general psychiatrist and mental health clinician how to integrate this promising treatment modality into their practice and presents both an update on the current clinical role of TMS and a road map to its potential future. |
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