Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for various mental health conditions, particularly depression. Its non-invasive nature and promising results have made it a beacon of hope for many who have struggled with traditional treatments. However, as with any medical intervention, questions about the sustainability of its effects arise. One such question pertains to maintenance therapy for patients who respond positively to acute TMS treatment. When patients exhibit a favorable response to acute TMS therapy, experienc ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Depression is a heavy burden to carry for anyone, but for individuals on the autism spectrum, its weight can be particularly crushing. Challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors characterize Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When coupled with the persistent cloud of depression, navigating life’s challenges can feel like an uphill battle. One of the most crucial aspects to understand is the intricate relationship between depression and ASD. Research suggests that individuals with ASD are at a higher risk of experiencing de ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Discovered by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson in 1817, lithium’s potential truly began to unfold on May 5th, 1949. On this day, Stanley G. Thompson and Glenn T. Seaborg isolated lithium-6, a stable isotope of the element, through the bombardment of lithium-7 with deuterons in a cyclotron at the University of California, Berkeley. This breakthrough opened doors to myriad applications that continue to impact our lives today. The story of lithium’s therapeutic potential began in the 1940s when Australian psychiatrist John Cade made a groundbreaki ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD In a momentous stride towards advancing mental health care, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices to be utilized in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among adolescents aged 15 to 21 years old. This decision stands as a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to young individuals grappling with the burden of depression. Major Depressive Disorder casts a profound shadow over the lives of millions worldwide, and its impact on adolescents can be especially profound. Con ..read more

By: Amy K. Izuno-Garcia, PhD & Jeremy Jabbour, MS The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, with childhood diagnoses having increased by over 400% since the beginning of the century: 1 in 36 children in the United States are now recognized as autistic (Maenner et al., 2023). It is unclear to what extent this increase is attributable to the condition genuinely becoming more prevalent, and to what extent it is attributable to changes in diagnosis, conceptualization, and service– regardless, with each passing year healthcare providers are more likely to encounter patient ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Depression, with its suffocating grip on the mind, is a relentless adversary for millions worldwide. Despite advances in therapy and medication, some individuals find themselves locked in a grim battle against treatment-resistant depression (TRD), where conventional treatments falter in offering relief. However, amidst the shadows of despair, a flicker of hope emerges in the form of deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS, a remarkable neurosurgical procedure, has long been celebrated for its effectiveness in managing movement disorders like Parkinson’s di ..read more

This is an excerpt from National Geographic.  The risks of smoking are well-known. Here are the immediate and long-term health benefits of quitting. Every year, half a million Americans die from smoking – related causes, while an estimated 16 million Americans are living with smoking-related chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Although the risks of smoking are well- known, it’s also incredibly challenging to quit, leading many to give up, assuming the damage has been done. However, as research is consistently showing ..read more

By Antonio F. Pagán, PhD, Katherine A. Loveland, PhD, and Killian Rainey Hughes, PhD   Transition to Adulthood for Autism While various causes have been proposed, for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a lack of tailored services, social skill difficulties, co-occurring mental health needs, and difficulties with executive functioning play a large role in these transition difficulties. Knowing where the difficulties exist may help clinicians and other service providers improve outcomes before, during, and after the transition to adulthood. What Helps: Parents When working wi ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has bestowed breakthrough therapy status upon an LSD formula for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This decision follows a landmark study indicating that a single dose of the drug could offer lasting relief to individuals grappling with this debilitating condition. Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans, with generalized anxiety disorder being one of the most prevalent and disruptive forms. Traditional treatments, such as therapy and medication, often provide ..read more

Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health care, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a versatile and effective intervention for depression. With a range of protocols available, each tailored to specific needs and nuances, individuals seeking relief from depressive symptoms now have an array of options to explore. Let’s embark on a journey through the diverse TMS protocols designed to illuminate the path to mental well-being. Standard TMS Protocols: The traditional TMS protocol involves daily sessions over several weeks, typic ..read more