New hope for patients suffering from depression

Dr. Edward Fruitman, Director of South Shore Neuropsychiatric in Hewlett, New York, is now offering TMS ( Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy. Using highly focused, MRI strength magnetic pulses, TMS activates a specific region of the left prefrontal cortex that is involved in depression. TMS is an innovative treatment of Depression, that succeeds even when anti-depressants fail.



TMS is FDA approved, and is found to be safe and effective. TMS has been researched since the early 1980s and is widely used around the world. But it was not until October 2008 that the FDA approved Neurostar® TMS device for the United States. This device is especially designed for clinical use on an outpatient basis.



During treatment, the patient relaxes in a chair, similar to that used at a dentist's office. During the first session, patient relaxes in a comfortable chair similar to first-class airplane seat, while Dr. Fruitman and trained TMS coordinator , K. C. Levitan, LMHC, properly locate the stimulus site (Dorsilateral Prefrontal Cortex, an area implicated in Depression). During the following sessions, the magnet is placed over the stimulus site and the magnetic pulses are administered at scientifically-determined frequency and strength. Over a period of about 40 minutes. TMS is typically administered five times a week over the course of four to six weeks.



One of the major benefits of TMS is that unlike medication, TMS does not circulate through the body, therefore there are no adverse side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, upset stomach, or sexual dysfunction typically associated with traditional anti depressant regimens. And unlike other treatment, such as electro convulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not cause cognitive side effects or memory problems. No anesthesia or sedation is used, so you can drive yourself to and from treatment and even go back to work or school right after treatment is finished.





Dr. Fruitman is a Board Certified Psychiatrist. He is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of psychopharmacology. Dr. Fruitman specializes in the treatment of Anxiety and Depression. He is the first psychiatrist to use TMS in the Five Town area of Long Island.