New depression treatment offers hope – but beware of hype

St John of God Hospital in Dublin has launched a new treatment for people with treatment-resistant depression.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy, is now being offered on an outpatient basis and could help patients who have not responded to traditional methods.

The rTMS treatment works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. This stimulation promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself), said to be a factor in overcoming ingrained patterns of negative thinking typical in severe depression.

Treatment sessions last about 30 minutes and are conducted daily over four to six weeks. Clinical studies suggest that between 50 and 55% of people with severe depression experience relief from symptoms, with about a third achieving remission.

While the treatment is generally well tolerated, common side effects include mild headaches, fatigue, or scalp discomfort. The hospital’s introduction of this treatment reflects a growing interest in innovative mental health interventions in Ireland.

However, experts caution that while rTMS represents a promising development, it is not a “quick fix”.

“Anything that gets people with severe depression out and about is good,” Dr Joe MacDonagh, an occupational psychologist and TU Dublin lecturer with deep experience in healthcare systems, told The Liberty.

“But I do have questions over the long-term effects, and id like to see more data. Women struggle with depression more than men for various reasons. Statistically, 8.3% of women and 5.6% of men in any population have depression – that’s a significant difference.”

From an ethical standpoint, MacDonagh said rTMS meets safety standards but warned against the dangers of overhyping the treatment.

“The only thing which might not be ethical that often happens in medicine is overpromise,” he said. “The media, with respect, may exaggerate importance. This is not for people with ‘ordinary’ depression – it’s very specifically aimed at those with severe and chronic depression.”

He also stressed the importance of professional oversight and continuous therapy, noting that without proper support, patients may be left off worse.

“These treatments need to be backed up by therapy,” he said. “If you suddenly take away someone’s coping mechanisms without offering alternatives, they can be flooded with emotion, and that can lead to psychosis. It should always be done under the supervision of a qualified clinician.”

In terms of broader impact, rTMS could improve a patient’s reintegration into work and everyday life, especially for those grappling with depression-related absenteeism. Although access and funding remain key challenges.

“You need a therapist for every person who gets this treatment. That’s a cost issue,” MacDonagh said. “There’s a massive shortage of mental health professionals, and services outside of Dublin are still lacking.”

MacDonagh said he views rTMS as an evolution rather than a revolution, one that holds promise if integrated carefully into a holistic treatment plan.

“It’s a different version of an old thing. Think of ECT [electroconvulsive therapy] – both stimulate neuroplasticity,” he said. “What’s great is it will give people hope, especially those who haven’t yet engaged with mental health services. But we have to manage expectations and ensure it’s administered ethically and effectively.”

In 2016, the “Health at a Glance” report highlighted that 18.5% of the Irish population, experienced mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or alcohol/drug use disorders. This is one of the highest rates in Europe.

For those struggling with their mental health, MacDonagh strongly encourages reaching out for help: “Talk to your GP. It’s money well spent.”

You can find out about local mental health support by calling the Your Mental Health information line on Freephone at 1800 111 88 or sending a free text to 50808.