Richmond Foundation calls for ‘ethical professional behaviour’ on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

The Richmond Foundation yesterday called for “ethical professional behaviour” when it comes to the offering of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation against suicidal tendencies.

The issue came to the fore recently when it was reported that a new form of treatment is being piloted in Malta, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

TMS uses electromagnetic induction to produce theta waves close to certain parts of the brain that are known to be the brain’s portal to suicidal thinking.

The Richmond Foundation yesterday took the technique to task, saying, “Needless to say, there is nothing to stop somebody or some organization from offering paying services, even in the mental health field.

“On the other hand, Richmond Foundation takes exception to the advertising of mental health services through the media which do not state in clear terms whether the service is free or not.”

The Foundation stressed that, in the interest of the patient, “information disseminated through the media about certain medical interventions, such as Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation, must at all times be accurate and backed by accredited scientific evidence.

“Any other information could jeopardise The Patient’s right to suitable and adequate treatment based on their needs, means and circumstances in general.”

The Richmond Foundation emphasised that it is the right of people with mental health problems to have access to accurate information regarding mental health services and how these services can be accessed. This right, it said, becomes even more crucial when people are experiencing a mental health crisis and need help.

“Richmond Foundation recognizes the need for an emergency mental health service that is accessible to all (possibly supported by a dedicated help line), however such a service should be free of charge at the point of delivery, to ensure that people in a mental health crisis are able to access the service they need at that challenging point in their lives.

“As an organisation representing people benefitting from mental health services, Richmond Foundation urges a respectful attitude towards people with mental health problems.

“The Mental Health Patient has a right to reliable professional information and becoming professional behaviour based on established codes of ethics. It is the obligation of all those working in the mental health field, to uphold this right at all times.”

The Commissioner for Mental Health had also weighed in on the application of TMS, having sounded a warning last week that TMS is currently not approved for use in reducing suicidal behaviour by leading international regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

“Evidence-based treatment and care requires thorough scientific analysis of efficacy and safety studies that have been done or still need to be conducted. Meanwhile it is incumbent upon local academia, professional organisations and national regulatory authorities to provide leadership, definitive results and direction. Our people deserve this,” the commissioner said.

Should anyone require information or guidance about mental health issues, they may contact the Richmond Foundation on freephone 1770. The service is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm