FDA clears magnetic brain stimulation treatment for post traumatic stress disorder

The United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared a new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder that uses personalized brain mapping and targeted magnetic stimulation. ScienceDaily Mind & Brain and Science Daily reported that the therapy targets abnormal brain activity to treat the condition. [1][2]

In a clinical trial, the therapy achieved a 52 percent reduction in symptoms and a 68 percent remission rate, according to ScienceDaily Mind & Brain. The technology was developed by California-based Wave Neuroscience in collaboration with researchers at the Texas A&M Health Institute of Biosciences and Technology. The new approach offers an alternative for individuals who have not obtained sufficient relief from existing therapies. [1]

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that develops after a person experiences a traumatic event, such as warfare, natural disasters, or traffic collisions. Symptoms must last for more than a month after the event and can include disturbing thoughts, mental distress, and altered fight-or-flight responses. [3]

Researchers believe that the technology could pave the way for precise treatments for other mental health conditions, ScienceDaily Mind & Brain reported. [1]