E&CSE Research Seminar, Wednesday 04 - July - 2007

Abstract:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in superficial areas of the brain that has gained considerable attention over the last 10 years as a potential tool for the investigation and treatment of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.  Most prominently, a number of studies have been conducted investigating its use as a treatment for patients with refractory depression. A number of prominent trials conducted at APRC over recent years will be reviewed as well as more recent research results showing that improved targeting and novel stimulation combinations can enhance therapeutic response.  The results of these trials are supporting the progression of TMS towards implementation is a standard treatment within psychiatric practice.

In addition to TMS, a number of new techniques including transcranial direct current stimulation and deep brain stimulation are under active investigation for their applicability to the treatment of mood disorders.  These techniques will be briefly reviewed along with a discussion of some new research plans for trials to be conducted locally.

About the Speaker:

Following completion of specialist training (1994-1998), a Masters in Psychological Medicine at Monash University and a 12-month fellowship at the Clarke Institute and the University of Toronto (1999) Professor Fitzgerald established a substantial academic research program utilising brain stimulation and neuroimaging techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional and structural MRI, EEG and new infrared spectroscopy. The program has focussed on the conduct of investigative studies of brain function / dysfunction as well as the conduct of clinical trials of TMS in several disorders including schizophrenia and depression. He has published over 65 papers including papers in most of the top ranked psychiatry journals. He has received grant funding from NHMRC and 3 US based organisations including a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship and 2 US NARSAD Young Investigator Awards. He has reviewed for over 25 journals and 7 international grant organisations and is on two international professional committees and the scientific and review committees of Neuroscience Victoria .