The Low Field Magnetic Stimulation (LFMS) procedure is an application of a series of electromagnetic pulses to the brain lasting twenty minutes. The field and timing parameters of the LFMS pulses, such as pulse timing, duration, frequency, and electric and magnetic field distribution and direction are different from other neurostimulation methods.
The mechanism of action for the antidepressant effects of LFMS is hypothesized to be an effect on dendritic or synaptic activity in the cortex, brought about by low level electrical stimulation applied with particular timing. This is analogous to the synaptic effects of pharmaceutical antidepressants in providing a "boost" to synapses in certain brain regions.
Previous investigations of LFMS included depressed subjects with bipolar disorder. This study will evaluate the antidepressant effects of multiple LFMS treatments in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
