Emerging psychiatric technologies

Submitted by docrainbow on Wed, 09/15/2010 - 18:20

In order to deliver treatment more quickly and effectively to patients, I have recently begun using three specific emerging psychiatric technologies. These include: rEEG Guided Pharmacotherapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Webcam-based Psychotherapy.

rEEG Guided Pharmacotherapy

I have participated in clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of rEEG Guided Pharmacotherapy in subjects with depression treatment failure. This assessment has shown rEEG treatment to be about 75-80% reliable compared to our usual clinical assessment of about 67%.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

I have begun to use transcranial magnetic stimulation as a substitute for ECT that has relatively few side effects. Magnetic stimuli are applied to the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) when individuals are depressed with a hypoactive PFC. The stimuli increases the activity in the PFC normalizing the patient's mood. If a patient is manic, the prefrontal cortex is hyperactive. These stimuli are applied to the right prefrontal cortex, lowering the PFC to within the normal range.

Webcam-based Psychotherapy

Webcam-based treatment can be done anywhere on the planet using the Skype online service for video/audio feedback. This increases the ability of the therapist to meet with patients.
I would be happy to discuss any of these technologies at a greater length.

- Dr. Richardson