FDA Approval of TMS Therapy for OCD

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS Therapy) for adjunct treatment in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

This marks the second indication in the US for the Danish medical device company MagVenture, who is already FDA cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The company was the first to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the 3-minute Express TMS—the shortest TMS treatment now available.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic pulses to stimulate a specific brain area to improve OCD symptoms. The out-patient procedure can be used as adjunctive to other OCD treatments that might involve pharmaceutical and behavioral therapy. Using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas in the brain, TMS targets its networks and deeper-lying structures that are known to be particularly affected by OCD.

The therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration was not associated with any systemic side effects.

Understanding OCD

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) which lead to repetitive behavior (compulsions). Obsessive-compulsive disorder can severely affect one's daily life and routines and cause distress or even functional impairment. Although pharmaceutical and psychological interventions are available, some OCD patients experience limited results from these and need more therapeutic options.

MagVenture TMS Therapy

MagVenture TMS Therapy is an adjunct treatment to existing OCD therapies which may involve pharmaceutical and behavioral therapy. It is an out-patient procedure with no systemic side effects. The treatment specifically targets the networks in the brain which are known to be particularly affected by OCD, including the deeper-lying structures.

"We have worked closely with brain researchers for well over 25 years, providing numerous TMS solutions to help advance the field of neuroscience—both basic and applied. Expanding the treatment options to include other indications than major depressive disorder, such as OCD, is one more important step towards helping more adult patients improve their mental health," said VP of Sales, MagVenture Inc, Kerry Rome.

For further reference log on to:

• MagVenture Inc