rTMS Treatment for Jorge

My son Jorge is 18 and was diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) when he was 10 years old and Asperger’s Syndrome at 11. He has tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy and Medication over the past 8 years to limited success.

He also suffers from Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal thoughts. We are now at a point where therapy and medication have not made a substantial difference with his conditions.

Jorge's OCD has made a huge impact on his life. He struggles to go out on a daily basis. He showers constantly and suffers panick attacks and is unable to work the way he is at the moment.

His goal is to be able to leave the house without the anxiety and feelings of dread he suffers on a daily basis and intrusive thoughts.

There is a treatment called rTMS that can help with his OCD and Depression, but unfortunately it is not covered by either private insurance or public health in Australia.

rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a mild form of brain stimulation. Magnetic fields, generated by a simple coil placed on the head, are used to stimulate a small area of the brain. It has been used as a treatment for depression, anxiety and other disorders to target a specific location in the brain.

The stimulation takes 20-30 minutes and is typically given over consecutive weekdays on an outpatient basis. While receiving stimulation, the patient is fully awake. TMS is usually well tolerated with minimal side effects. There is no anesthetic and memory is not affected.

Jorge will need to have an Assessment which will have several processes including a Sleep Assessment, Psychiatric Assessment and Brain Mapping which will cost us $2000

Jorge will need a minimum of 20 sessions of the rTMS which will cost us $8000.

I have been Jorge's full time Carer for the past 4 years. As I am on a pension my financial situation is limited. I am asking for help with the cost towards giving my son a future without the suffering and limitations he has on a daily basis.

We appreciate any help you would like to give us.