101. Can Accelerated TMS and Psychedelics Reshape OCD’s Grip? With Dr. Noah DeGaetano and Dr. Ryan Vidrine

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November 14, 2023 • 29 mins

Imagine finding a new way to help with OCD that's different from the usual methods – it's called Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Think of it like this: your mind sometimes gets stuck, like a skipping record. With Accelerated TMS, it's like giving your brain a gentle push to get out of that loop. This could be a big deal – a way to change things and give hope to people dealing with the ups and downs of OCD.

In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by two distinguished guests, Dr. Noah DeGaetano and Dr. Ryan Vidrine. Both are renowned experts in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

During our conversation, we talked about innovative treatments for OCD. We discuss the accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) approach, which has shown promise in treating OCD. The treatment's financial aspects and insurance coverage challenges are also addressed. The potential therapeutic benefits of substances like MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating mental health conditions are explored, with ongoing trials for using psilocybin in treating OCD mentioned. We conclude with a discussion on the importance of a calm and comfortable setting for therapy.

In This Episode

[02:23] Introduction to Accelerated TMS treatment
[05:05] Insurance coverage for Accelerated TMS treatment
[07:10] The cost of treatment and insurance coverage
[08:12] Financial considerations and options for treatment
[09:25] Results and efficacy of accelerated TMS treatment
[14:31] The use of MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in treating mental health disorders
[15:33] The need for more research on psilocybin for OCD
[16:33] Comparing the effects of Lexapro and psilocybin on thought suppression and rumination
[21:35] The setting and preparation for psilocybin therapy
[23:02] The concept of set and setting in psychedelic therapy
[24:59] Patient experiences with psilocybin therapy and the importance of proper design and location

Notable Quotes

[11:33] “TMS is a bridge. It is not the whole answer. It's like you have a different brain after you've had TMS.” - Dr. Vidrin
[14:26] “In the realm of healing with MDMA, the therapy environment is the canvas where transformation takes shape—a sanctuary for profound change.” - Dr. Vidrine
[18:36] “Lexapro helped with rumination, but psilocybin seemed to help a little more. And Lexapro did not help with thought suppression, and it seemed like the psilocybin did.” - Dr. DeGaetano
[15:50] “A lot of times what they're doing now is low dose psilocybin and high dose psilocybin, essentially, and using psilocybin as the control for this placebo-controlled trial, which is kind of considered the gold standard in medicine.” - Dr. DeGaetano

Our Guests

Dr. Noah de Gaetano, a board-certified psychiatrist, serves as Chief Medical Officer at Acacia Mental Health, Sunnyvale, CA, with 15+ years of expertise. Renowned for his work in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, he founded and directed the TMS program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, contributing significantly to psychiatric advancements and patient care.

Dr. Ryan Vidrine, an interventional psychiatrist, completed his residency at UC San Francisco and directed OCD services at a leading practice. With expertise in OCD and anxiety disorders, he employs medication, psychotherapy, stimulation treatments, and innovative approaches like ketamine and psychedelic therapies to guide clients toward authentic, liberated living.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

Dr. Noah DeGaetano

Dr. Ryan Vidrine