Large confirmatory clinical trial shows efficacy and safety of new brain stimulation therapy for depression.

This article focuses on a landmark international clinical trial comparing magnetic seizure therapy (MST) with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe, treatment-resistant depression. Led by researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the randomized, double-blind study involving nearly 300 participants found MST to be as effective as ECT in reducing depressive symptoms but with significantly fewer cognitive side effects, particularly in preserving memory. MST uses targeted magnetic stimulation to induce therapeutic seizures while avoiding brain areas linked to memory loss, a common concern with ECT. The findings suggest MST could become a viable alternative treatment option pending further regulatory approval and clinical implementation. [Extracted from the article]