A preliminary study suggests that an intensive course of precisely targeted magnetic brain stimulation is a fast, safe way to relieve depression and prevent suicidal thoughts.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. The National Institute of Mental Health estimate that 17.3 million adults experienced an episode of major depression in 2017 in the United States alone.
Suicidal thoughts, sometimes known as “suicidal ideation,” are common among people with major depression or bipolar disorder.
Antidepressant drugs can relieve depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation, but they take several weeks to start working.