Depression and Major Depressive Disorder

A Revolutionary Approach to Treat Depression 

MeRT is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical and has helped those with Depression who have not responded well to medications or had difficulty with their side effects.

Have you (or someone close to you) been experiencing a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest? Everyone goes through a certain amount of ups and downs in their lives. Sometimes losses or tragedies occur, and depression can set in. This is normal. But if one doesn’t bounce back and depression persists or becomes severe, then one should seek help. Changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem can often accompany depression. Additionally, depression can be associated with thoughts of suicide.

As stated by the Mayo Clinic: “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 3 million people are diagnosed with Depression every year. We don’t have statistics yet for 2020, but based on everything that has been happening in recent times, it’s likely that statistics have risen significantly, and many more people are experiencing Depression or have exacerbated symptoms.

MeRT is an emerging technology that has been used successfully to treat Depression and MDD, and the MeRT process is FDA-approved for the Treatment of Depression and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 

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(949) 418-1108

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Signs that you are experiencing Depression include:

• Feeling down or depressed longer than a few weeks
• Inability to complete everyday activities
• Low energy levels; no motivation
• Anger, or emotional outbursts
• Irritability
• Poor performance at work or school
• Feelings of isolation
• Loss of interest in social activities, relationships, etc.
• Sleeping too much or sleeping too little
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Thinking about past events or failures
• Anxiety
• Back or neck pain
• Headaches
• Thoughts of suicide
• Suicide attempts

Depression, also referred to as Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder, can have symptoms that range in type and severity for different people. While antidepressant medication can help some people, it doesn’t help everyone and isn’t always the right treatment for everybody. Medication can also have unpleasant side effects, both short-term and long-term, that are not tolerated well. 

Statistics show that 8% to 10% of adults who are depressed will die by suicide; it’s become the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States. So if you feel that you or someone close to you are experiencing Depression, it is incredibly important to act and seek medical help.

IF YOU ARE FEELING SUICIDAL, PLEASE CALL 911! YOU CAN ALSO CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

For anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, I highly recommend trying MeRT at the Brain Treatment Center. My adult son who has suffered from both problems his entire life, and has been on medication, realized a positive change after the first visit. We saw dramatic improvement after each visit.  This technology is truly a magic bullet for the right candidate. The staff is professional and friendly. The facilities are equally professional. I would highly recommend The Brain Treatment Center.” – Harold H.

The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach Has a New Approach

It’s called MeRT.

MeRT(sm), which stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy, is a treatment protocol evolved from TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). MeRT utilizes TMS technology but is more tailored to each individual based on their diagnostics. 

Simply stated, magnetic fields are used to stimulate and balance brain function, guided by very sophisticated imaging and diagnostics.

Patients with depression have a few markers that are visible in their EEG studies — an imbalance in brainwave activity between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain, known as asymmetry.

New research is confirming that factors that may contribute to Depression do cause changes in brain function including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

We work to identify these asymmetries and strengthen healthy brainwave activity to reduce the symptoms of depression for the patient. 

We customized MeRT to each individual’s needs based on their diagnostics and imaging. The treatment protocol is tailored as to the location, frequency, duration, and amount of power used by the magnet. Specifically, this technology works by using magnetic waves to stimulate areas of the brain to improve communication, balance, and connectivity. It is non-invasive, painless, and requires no drugs or anesthesia.

Each patient receives a quantitative EEG to determine the exact frequency of the brain. Our clinician, Dr. Julie Kim, along with our scientific team, then evaluates these tests and tailors treatment to each patient’s unique condition, optimizing it for the best possible results.

For me, depression was the constant feeling of, ‘I want to quit’ and retreat to my home, except I already would be home. MeRT helped me shed this feeling in less that 2 weeks. I couldn’t believe I had spent so many years feeling this way!” — Brain Treatment Patient 

A retrospective chart review to assess the impact of alpha-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation on symptoms of PTSD and depression in active-duty special operations service members (June 2024)

This data provides a demonstration of significant reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms and safety with the application of a-rTMS in active-duty special operations military personnel. Expansion of targeted neuromodulation programs could be impactful for military and civilian populations.”

Experimental depression treatment is nearly 80% effective in controlled study (October 2021)

In a double-blind controlled study, high doses of magnetic brain stimulation, given on an accelerated timeline and individually targeted, caused remission in 79% of trial participants with severe depression.

“A new type of magnetic brain stimulation brought rapid remission to almost 80% of participants with severe depression in a study conducted at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: the evidence thus far (August 2019)

rTMS is rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment modality for depression. There is growing evidence to support its use in patients with depression as a monotherapy or as adjunct with pharmacotherapy. Additionally, rTMS has been found to be safe and effective in pregnant patients and elderly patients…”

Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression (May 2019)

The clinical efficacy of TMS as an antidepressant has been well established. TMS is an innovative and promising treatment modality for patients with TRD [treatment-resistant depression].”

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of quality of life outcome measures in clinical practice (July 2013)

Conclusion: These data confirm that TMS is effective in the acute treatment of MDD in routine clinical practice settings. This symptom benefit is accompanied by statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported QOL [quality of life] and functional status outcomes.”

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression: a multisite, naturalistic, observational study of acute treatment outcomes in clinical practice, Carpenter et al. (2012)

These data indicate that TMS is an effective treatment for those unable to benefit from initial antidepressant medication.”

Psychiatric News Article: The Benefits of TMS in Treating Major Depressive Disorder  

An article in the October 2022 issue of the Psychiatric News provides evidence that TMS (a key component of MeRT treatment) should be considered as first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe Major Depressive Disorder.

The article’s author, Richard A. Bermudes, reviewed a decade’s worth of studies on the effectiveness of TMS, and wrote: 

As I read the [APA] guidelines recently and considered the number of new outcome studies conducted with TMS, I believe TMS should be considered in addition to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with moderate to severe major depressive disorder.”

Read the whole article on the Psychiatric News website. 

MeRT Treatment for Depression: What to Expect

For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG, which will enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.

While this appointment usually takes about 45 minutes, if you are seeking treatment for your child with autism, please plan on spending an hour with us. Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.

If you are not yet ready to commit to going through an assessment period of treatment or prefer to have your qEEG and consultation done to ensure you are a candidate for treatment, we also offer the option of coming in for a qEEG/EKG and consultation with our clinician, Kayleigh Prowse, FNP, to see your results before proceeding with the assessment period. Please note that Dr. Julie Kim, medical director, oversees treatment for each patient. 

Your second appointment is 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with us for your clinical evaluation. Additionally, your provider will answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan.

Assessment Period

The assessment period of treatment lasts for two weeks. 

The assessment period of treatment will help you, and us, determine how you are responding to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, we will perform a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in your brain. 

After completing a two-week assessment period, the patient will have their initial qEEG/EKG, and then attend treatment sessions for two weeks. The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday, nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress.  

Continuing Treatment

Once the assessment period is complete, and we are seeing progress both clinically and on the qEEG, we will schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods. Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area. We advise that to get the most out of your treatment—and for long-lasting results—you stay for an entire six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period).

The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will determine if you are responding. You should also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. We highly advise a total of six weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results. 

Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. But each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.

Additional Information

A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. The gentle magnetic impulses are delivered for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.

Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. Additionally, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.

I felt like I was alone even though I was surrounded by love and care. It was just a cloud that would linger over my life every now and again. BTC helped me understand what was going on in my head and after a month of treatment, I was grateful to be DEPRESSION FREE and MEDICATION FREE for the first time in my life.”
— Brain Treatment Patient

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

Or fill in the Form at the bottom of this page.

Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for Additional Information

It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel alone, frustrated, and hopeless. However, there is hope. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.

We understand what you are going through. Our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child.

Many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment and have experienced incredible results firsthand. As a result, they are passionate about helping you to heal too.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator

(949) 418-1108

Or fill in the Form below

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