Revolutionizing Mental Healthcare: SMTR Now Available at CUSM

The Center Universitaire de Santé McGill (CUSM) is now offering repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (SMTR), marking a critically important advancement in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric conditions. This innovative therapy provides new hope for patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other debilitating disorders.

What is SMTR and Why is it Important?

SMTR is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It has emerged as a promising choice for individuals who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy.The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) has recognized SMTR as an effective treatment for depression and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

SMTR was approved by the Canadian network for mood and anxiety treatments (CANMAT) as being an effective treatment for depression and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

According to recent studies, approximately 30% of individuals with major depressive disorder do not achieve remission with standard antidepressant medications, highlighting the critical need for alternative treatment options like SMTR.

Accessibility and coverage in Quebec

since 2013, SMTR has been a treatment covered by the Quebec Health Insurance Régie (RAMQ), making it more accessible to patients in the province. There are two primary pathways to access this service at CUSM:

1. Targeted Treatment: SMTR is offered as a second- or third-line treatment for patients with disorders for which it is a recognized and approved therapy.
2. clinical Research: Patients may also gain access through participation in clinical research trials aimed at expanding our understanding of SMTR’s applications for various diseases. Recruitment is based on meeting specific selection criteria for ongoing research.

CUSM’s Leadership in Neurostimulation

The team behind the CUSM SMTR center envisions the institution playing a pivotal role in the advancement of SMTR and other neurostimulation techniques within Quebec. This commitment underscores CUSM’s dedication to providing cutting-edge mental healthcare and improving the lives of patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of SMTR

As research continues to unveil the potential of SMTR,its role in treating a wider range of conditions is expected to expand. The CUSM’s pioneering efforts in this field position them as a key contributor to the future of mental healthcare, offering hope and innovative solutions for those in need.The availability of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (SMTR) at CUSM represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of treatment-resistant mental health disorders.