Interventional Psychiatry: Advances, Acceptability, and Access-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session, hosted by Dr. Saedra Wilson from the University of Minnesota, discusses the complexities and advancements in interventional psychiatry, including procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine administration for major depressive disorder. Each of these methods, alongside emerging techniques, was addressed with insights from Dr. Sarah Lizenby, Dr. Christina Kuzan, and Dr. Lauren Cabrera. Key topics include the mechanisms, efficacy, and side effects of these treatments, their role in treating various psychiatric conditions, and the disparities in their accessibility and acceptance in clinical practice.<br /><br />A particular emphasis was placed on ECT, which involves inducing a seizure through electrical currents delivered via electrodes placed on the scalp. Dr. Lizenby highlighted the different electrode placements and dosing strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize cognitive side effects. It was noted that despite its broad therapeutic applications and effectiveness in treating severe depression, access to ECT is declining, especially among the elderly, due to various barriers like stigma, provider shortages, and legal restrictions in some states.<br /><br />Dr. Kuzan reviewed VNS, a surgical implant initially developed for epilepsy, which has shown significant promise in long-term depression treatment yet faces challenges due to high costs and limited insurance coverage. Dr. Holly Lisanby discussed TMS, a non-invasive treatment approved for depression and OCD, stressing its strong safety profile and recent innovations like theta burst stimulation that shorten treatment duration.<br /><br />The session also explored the significance of addressing stigma and improving awareness and understanding of these treatments, particularly to overcome racial and socioeconomic disparities in access. The ethical considerations and potential benefits of neuromodulation were discussed, with an ongoing commitment to researching and refining these therapeutic interventions to ensure equitable access for diverse patient populations.

Keywords

interventional psychiatry

electroconvulsive therapy

vagal nerve stimulation

transcranial magnetic stimulation

ketamine administration

major depressive disorder

psychiatric conditions

treatment efficacy

treatment side effects

treatment accessibility

treatment stigma

neuromodulation

racial disparities

socioeconomic disparities