Volume 37 · Number 3
MARCH 2007

Neuromodulation

By Philip G. Janicak, MD; Mark A. Demitrack, MD

This issue of Psychiatric Annals considers the growing field of therapeutic neuromodulation most recently exemplified by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depression. In this context, Dr. Demitrack considers the role of these device-based therapies in an overall strategy to manage depression. Dr. Richelson explores the neurobiology related to their antidepressant effects. Dr. Sampson and colleagues then describe the clinical role of TMS for major depression, while Drs. Rado and Janicak review the application of VNS to treat more resistant depressive disorders.

ABOUT THE GUEST EDITORS

Philip Gregory Janicak, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director, Psychiatric Clinical Research Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Janicak serves as a consultant for the VA Chicago Health Care System, West Side Division, Chicago, IL. He is also an member of the Psychiatric Annals editoral board.

Dr. Janicak received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University of Chicago, and his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at Foster G. McGaw Hospital, Maywood, IL.

Mark A. Demitrack, MD is Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Neuronetics, in Malvern, PA. Dr. Demitrack has more than 20 years of experience in both academic and industry settings in clinical research of mood disorders and related conditions.

Prior to joining Neuronetics, Dr. Demitrack was Assistant Vice President for Global Medical Affairs in Neuroscience at Wyeth Pharmceuticals. Dr. Demitrack also served as Medical Director of the New Antidepressant Team at Lilly Research Laboratories, where he led the registration clinical development program for the novel antidepressant, duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Prior to his tenure in private industry, Dr. Demitrack was a faculty member of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was Director of the Michigan Eating Disorders Program and received federal grant funding in clinical research activities studying the neuroendocrinology of eating disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Dr. Demitrack received his undergraduate degree at Columbia University, and his medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. He pursued his residency training at the University of California-San Francisco and completed a research fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health.