Abu Dhabi: Nearly 500,000 residents across the UAE are estimated to be suffering from depression at present, and the prevalence of the illness is expected to increase worldwide over the next decade, mental health experts said in the capital on Monday.
In order to effectively treat the condition, a relatively new method, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, has therefore been introduced. The treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for depression. Such stimulation changes how the cells work in these parts and makes them more active, thus easing depression symptoms.
“Depression is a common mental disorder worldwide. In the UAE, the rate of mental illnesses has doubled in the last decade, similar to rates of increase in developing countries,” said Dr Yousuf Abu Allaban, chief executive officer and consultant psychiatrist at the American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN).
“We are therefore introducing TMS therapy, one of the safest modes of non-invasive treatment, at our centres in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, and we hope it will benefit patients suffering from moderate and severe forms of depression,” he added at a press conference held to launch the treatment.
The therapy is widely used in the United States since it was approved by the US’ federal public health regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in 2008. According to statistics revealed at the conference, 600 psychiatrists use TMS therapy to effectively treat about 20,000 patients across the world.
The treatment is especially prescribed in cases where antidepressant medication is not effective on its own, and in patients suffering from severe depression, Dr Adel Karrani, medical director and psychiatrist at the ACPN, told Gulf News. Some patients also experience side effects such as weight gain, nausea, memory loss and drowsiness from antidepressant medication, and do not want to opt for these medicines.
“Treating depression is especially important because it is so closely correlated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In fact, depression can make patients more prone to chronic diseases, and chronic diseases can also make people depressed. In fact, the bulk of our patients at the ACPN, namely, 50 to 70 per cent, approach us for the treatment of depression,” the doctor said.
TMS therapy can be used for patients aged 18 to 65, and has minimal side effects when administered carefully, namely, mild headaches in some patients. While it has been available in Abu Dhabi for about a year, Dr Karrani said the equipment at the ACPN is approved by the FDA.
Patients are seated comfortably at the clinic, while a magnetic coil is placed around their head. This coil delivers the pulses, which are felt as bearable pressure. Each session lasts about 40 minutes and costs between Dh300 and Dh600, and it takes about four to five weeks of daily treatment before the positive effects become clear. Patients also need not be admitted after treatment, and can immediately resume daily activities.
“Patients can read, chat with family and friends or listen to music while receiving TMS therapy. We also ensure that they do not feel afraid or feel resistant to the treatment,” Dr Karrani said.
The doctor also said that many patients with depression experience long-term benefits from TMS therapy, and only need to come back for another set of sessions after a year or two.
“We are also working with insurance companies in order to ensure that they cover treatment for patients,” Dr Karrani said.
