University of Calgary researchers found the antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) increases the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with major depression. .“One of the challenges, however, is major depression is associated with reduced synaptic plasticity, and so TMS may be asking the depressed brain to adapt to stimulation in a way that it can not readily do,” said study principal investigator Alexander McGirr in a press release. .“Adding D-Cycloserine to the TMS treatment appears to enhance TMS’s ability to drive synaptic plasticity and treat depression.”.The study saw all participants undergo TMS every day for four weeks. Half the participants received DCS, while half took a placebo. .The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, showed almost 75% of participants treated with DCS and TMS benefited, compared to 30% of those who took the placebo and did the treatment. It said depressive symptom severity was measured using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. .The clinical trial involved 50 people. McGirr’s team plans to duplicate the research method with a larger group to ensure the clinical efficacy and safety of this experimental treatment..“It is hard to convey how important this work could be for patients or the level of excitement that has been brewing since Dr. McGirr first presented these results,” said U of C Department of Psychiatry head Dr. Valerie Taylor. .“If confirmed, this could change practice and have a very significant impact on patients’ treatment outcomes.”.The study acknowledged DCS is used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and has been researched in other psychiatric applications such as trauma and anxiety-related disorders. While the drug is unavailable in Canada, McGirr said he believes additional research showing its benefits could pave the way for its reintroduction. .He has a provisional patent filing for the combination of DCS and TMS to treat depression..The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto received the first-ever federal grant to study whether magic mushrooms can be used to treat depression in July. .READ MORE: Toronto's CAMH receives 1st federal grant to study treating depression with magic mushrooms."There has been a growing interest and body of knowledge regarding the use of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental illness and addictions," said study lead investigator Dr. Ishrat Husain. .“Previous clinical trials have reported large and sustained antidepressant effects of psilocybin when combined with intensive psychotherapy."
