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Primary Care Provider Resource for Traumatic Brain Injury Heersink School of Medicine

Depression - Other Biologic Approaches

There is some evidence to support the efficacy and tolerability of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), low-intensity magnetic field exposure, biofeedback, and acupuncture for treating depression after TBI. However, the weak study designs and small samples included in this research make these results highly preliminary. On the basis of five studies included in this review (1 on ECT, 2 on magnetic stimulation, 1 on biofeedback, and 1 on acupuncture) the review authors make the following recommendations:

  • A single study on the use of ECT provides some evidence supporting its use, but cognitive side effects need to be monitored closely. The authors of the study also recommend adapting ECT by using unilateral electrode placement and a lower frequency of applications. 
  • Magnetic stimulation, biofeedback, and acupuncture currently have inadequate evidence to support their use for reduction of depression in people with TBI.

Resourses

Treating Depression Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Summary for Clinicians (PDF). Copyright © 2010 Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). Based on Fann JR, Hart T, Schomer KG. (2009). Treatment for Depression Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. J. Neurotrauma.2009 Aug 21. doi:10.1089/neu.2009.1091

 

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham Traumatic Brain Injury Model System provides this website as an auxiliary resource for the primary care of patients with spinal cord injury.The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DPTB0029). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

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