Mental Health

Deep brain stimulation therapy uses electrical impulses in the body to treat motor, mood or cognitive disorders. Our skilled physician team is trained in the latest techniques, treating conditions ranging from depression and bipolar disorder to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment for Depression

While most people experience temporary feelings of sadness at some point during their lives, clinical depression is a long-term, ongoing state of being that often feels inescapable.

AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating depression: one that treats your body, mind and spirit.

Our physician team is constantly looking for new ways to help patients like you achieve peace of mind. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an alternative solution when major depression can’t be treated with antidepressants and therapy alone. It’s a procedure that’s also used to treat trembling, stiffness and slow movement — neurological symptoms typically experienced by patients with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor (ET). The procedure involves surgically implanting a small, pacemaker-like device called a neurostimulator that sends electronic signals to the area in the brain that manages movement.

There are two types of deep brain stimulation therapies we use for depression: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

This therapy is often used for patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe depression who have not had success with traditional interventions, like medications and psychotherapy. Additionally, ECT can also be used on patients who are at risk for severe depression. After two or three sessions, many patients notice an improvement in their symptoms.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

This non-invasive therapy is for adults who have depression but have not had any success with antidepressant medication. To alleviate symptoms, TMS focuses on the specific region of the brain that manages mood regulation. Treatment sessions last around 40 minutes and are performed five times a week for four to six weeks, depending on the condition. Patients should notice an improvement in a matter of weeks, and TMS has the potential to ease all symptoms of depression.

To see if you’re a good candidate for one of our stimulation therapies, your doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation and screening process.

For a significant number of people, medications are a necessary, effective and safe treatment when managed and supervised appropriately.

Our physicians always take a personalized approach, prescribing solutions based on in-depth knowledge of your history and current condition, then carefully monitoring your progress.

Our team of neuropsychiatrists specializes in studying the connection between the brain and human cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning. By understanding this connection, they can treat neurobehavioral conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, seizure and vascular disorders.

Evaluation and Treatment

Your doctor will do a thorough medical evaluation, testing your cognitive and behavioral abilities, including attention, memory, language, visual ability and sensory-motor skills.

The evaluation may also include:

• Analysis of your medical history
• Completing a standardized test with written, oral or digital questions on a computer
• Interviewing friends and family members
• Manipulation of materials such as puzzles

After carefully considering the results, your medical team will create a specific plan for you that may involve rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, medication, surgery or assisted care.

The beginning of a solution starts with a diagnosis. Our experienced mental health experts will conduct a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, examining your complete medical and psychiatric history.

Sometimes, these tests reveal underlying physical conditions, such as chronic pain or more serious conditions. We’ll perform a mental status examination that involves observing your behavior and asking questions to help us get a complete picture of your health.

Other factors we’ll observe include general appearance, speech patterns, expressed emotions, perceptive capabilities and cognitive functioning in terms of your memory, your ability to concentrate and your overall alertness.

Once you’ve received a diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to set up a series of therapy sessions to address any difficulties or obstacles you’re facing. You’ll get a fully customized plan to help you move forward on your journey to wellness.