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 did the podcast note about insurance coverage for TMS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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