Treating Major Depressive Disorder and TMS

Max points: 5 Type: Podcast

Podcast conversation with Dr. Rob Gent and Dr. Georgine Nanos on major depressive disorder, how primary care screens it (PHQ-9/GAD-7), and practical treatments—therapy, exercise, screen-time limits, medication, and accelerated TMS. Helpful for parents seeking clear guidance, insurance realities, and supportive ways to listen and engage teens.

Channel: Embark Behavioral Health Duration: 0:39:01

Questions

1. What symptom did Dr. Nanos highlight as the most common sign of depression in teens and adults?

Anhedonia—loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Persistent irritability Frequent crying spells Panic attacks

2. What describes the accelerated (Stanford) TMS protocol discussed?

One session weekly for 6 months Daily 60-minute sessions for 40 days Two sessions daily for 14 days with overnight monitoring 8–10 sessions per day over 4–5 days with short rests between

3. Which screening tools did Dr. Nanos say her practice routinely uses to assess depression and anxiety?

CES-D and Y-BOCS BDI-II and STAI HAM-D and PANSS PHQ-9 and GAD-7

4. How did Dr. Nanos distinguish TMS from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

TMS uses magnetic pulses, not electrical current TMS uses implanted electrodes; ECT uses external pads TMS requires anesthesia; ECT does not TMS is surgical; ECT is noninvasive

5. What did the podcast note about insurance coverage for TMS?

Extended multi-week TMS may be covered after failed medication trials; accelerated TMS typically isn't Only inpatient TMS is covered Accelerated TMS is widely covered by all major insurers Neither accelerated nor extended TMS is ever covered

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