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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. 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

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