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Recent Advances in Neuromodulatory Therapies in Psychogeriatrics: From TMS to ECT to VNS to Both Surgical and Magnetic DBS

  • Geriatric Psychiatry (GT Grossberg, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Neuromodulation therapies also known as brain stimulation therapies or techniques are used to treat various neuropsychiatric illnesses in adult and geriatric patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was the first such treatment availed to be used for mood disorders and psychotic disorders. Since then, transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was also found to be effective with fewer side effects than ECT. Similarly, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), used for seizure and movement disorders, respectively, have been found useful in the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. These neuromodulation therapies are becoming more refined, and we are learning more about their uses in other neuropsychiatric disorders. In the last decade, there has been tremendous growth of knowledge and research in the use of these therapies, but more needs to be evaluated before such treatments become as familiar as ECT.

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Papers of particular interest published recently have been highlighted as • Of importance •• Of major importance

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William Maurice Redden and Jothika Manepalli declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Saint Louis University, 1438 S Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA

    William Maurice Redden & Jothika Manepalli

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  1. William Maurice Redden
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  2. Jothika Manepalli
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Correspondence to William Maurice Redden.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Geriatric Psychiatry

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Redden, W.M., Manepalli, J. Recent Advances in Neuromodulatory Therapies in Psychogeriatrics: From TMS to ECT to VNS to Both Surgical and Magnetic DBS. Curr Geri Rep 4, 277–283 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-015-0151-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-015-0151-8

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