What You Need to Know
FAQ
Research Study:
Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
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Overview:
This study is designed to test whether low-frequency TMS delivered to a region near the top of the head, called the supplementary motor area, can lower OCD symptoms. Participation in the study consists of sessions lasting about 45 minutes per day, 5 days a week for either 4 or 8 weeks.

Eligibility:

  • Ages 18 to 70
  • Diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • If on medication, must be on a stable dose of meds for 4 weeks prior to starting
  • No personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy
  • No history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or current major depression

Benefits to participant:

  • Free clinical evaluation by psychiatrist
  • No-cost outpatient services

For more information about participating,
or if you have questions about the study, please contact:

The Brain Behavior Clinic Coordinator
Phone: 212-543-5767
Email:
BBClinic@columbia.edu

You will be asked several screening questions over the telephone to help determine if you may be eligible for the study.

Study FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Who comes to the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory?
The TMS Lab specializes in treating adults who suffer from various types of mood and anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our patients are diverse, ranging in age from 18-70. Many have been treated in the past either with psychotherapy or with medication, while others are seeking treatment for the first time. We offer new and innovative treatments for all people, even those for whom previous treatments have not been effective.

2. What can I expect during my first visit to the clinic?
The first consultation involves a comprehensive interview with an experienced psychiatrist and social worker. In addition, it may be necessary to perform a simple blood test or physical examination so that we can accurately diagnose your illness and other medical conditions. Upon completing the evaluation, your doctor will discuss with you the diagnosis of your illness, along with recommendations for treatment.

3. What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
The TMS lab is a leader in research on this potential, new treatment for psychiatric disorders. TMS is a non-invasive means of stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. TMS is administered by holding a magnetic coil on the head. The coil is about the size of a ping-pong paddle. This coil generates a strong but brief magnetic field. The field enters the brain, where it stimulates the brain cells, or neurons. If the coil is held over the area of the brain that causes movement, the TMS will cause a twitch in the muscle whose brain representation we are focusing on. It is not currently approved by the Federal Drug Administration and is only available in the context of approved research studies.

4. What does the treatment entail? What is the level of commitment required?
If eligible for one of our studies, you will have a physical exam, a routine blood work-up and an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to beginning treatment. Routine visits to the clinic allow us to closely monitor you, providing optimal clinical care. During each visit you will meet with your doctor and social worker to discuss your progress and the effectiveness of the treatment. The treatment entails a 4-week to 8-week period of daily weekday (M-F) visits to the clinic on an outpatient basis.

5. What is the cost of treatment?
There is none. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Laboratory is supported by private and public funding and all evaluation services are provided at no cost to the patient. In addition, for those patients who are eligible for our studies, treatment is available at no cost. This includes all doctor’s visits, routine lab work, any research treatment administered, and inpatient stay if required as part of the study.

6. FDA approval?
Since we specialize in innovative treatment, many of the treatments that we study are not yet FDA-approved. All of our research studies, however, are conducted with approval of the NYSPI Investigational Review Board (research ethics committee).

For more information:
To learn more about our free treatment programs for depression, or to schedule an evaluation appointment, please call our clinic coordinator at (212) 543-5767 or e-mail us at BBClinic@columbia.edu.

Basic Information:

Director:

Sarah H. Lisanby, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons,
Director, Brain Stimulation and Neuromodulation Division
(http://www.dr_lisanby.yourmd.com)
212-543-5558

Address:

Brain Behavior Clinic.
New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), Unit 21
1051 Riverside Drive, Room 1501
New York, NY 10032

Phone:

For appointments, call (212) 543-5767.

Clinic Hours:

Tuesdays, 1-5 pm; by appointment only
Thursdays, 9:00AM-12:00PM; by appointment only

Email:

depression@columbia.edu or BBClinic@columbia.edu

Website:

http://nypisys.cpmc.columbia.edu/Depression/NToDep.htm

 

 

 

   
     
 
 
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