Magnetic Therapy Brings Hope To Those With Depression

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By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

In some cases, the magnets can pinpoint areas of electrical problems, rewire them, and possibly reverse the feeling of depression.

Story Published: Mar 18, 2005 at 1:42 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:53 AM PDT

Magnetic Therapy Brings Hope To Those With Depression
UNDATED - Magnetic therapy may by the new hope for people suffering from depression.

Research shows that many problems in the brain are the result of chemical imbalances. And some of those chemical imbalances are caused by electrical problems.

So now, doctors are testing pulsating magnets. In some cases, the magnets can pinpoint areas of electrical problems, rewire them, and possibly reverse the feeling of depression.

"We are at a very exciting time in psychiatry right now," said Dr. Sarah Lisanby with the New York Psychiatric Institute. "We are just scraping the surface about what potential brain stimulation could add to our treatment options."

If all the testing goes through, the same method could one day be used for treatment of personality disorders, strokes and perhaps epilepsy.