The Portsmouth Herald highlights the story of one of our patients and Dr. Lanocha's efforts to bring TMS Therapy to New Hampshire patients. Click to read the article.
“I was referred to Dr. Karl Lanocha in Portsmouth NH by [my psychotherapist]. I'm so glad he thought of
Dr Lanocha for me. When I met Dr Lanocha, I think we both thought I was just there for a medication
consult. I was very scared that he would not "hear me" when I described my ongoing difficulty with meds.
It was at this time that he understood and said he did have something called TMS therapy and spent the
next 1/2 hr to an hour educating me on TMS and it's benefits and costs. I didn't hesitate to sign on. To me
it was worth the investment in myself after so many years of feeling like a misfit. He truly seemed to feel
that I could lead a happy life and I have no regrets. What made me feel safe about it was that he truly
conveyed his sincerest belief that this could help me.
[During the course of TMS] I felt happier in my day to day life...I think my optimism is really what changed the most for the better. I felt more like doing normal duties around my house. I returned to cooking which I enjoy and hadn't been doing. I picked up books I hadn't finished. I began socializing with friends that I had avoided.
I feel I have the very best psychiatric doctor I could have, I feel very grateful about that.”
— Barbara
“I first considered TMS therapy because all of my previous treatments had not been effective. They all provided very minimal relief of my depression and anxiety symptoms, and there were always unpleasant
side effects to the medications I took. After consulting several psychiatric professionals, I had reached a
point where I felt like the only options I had left were TMS or ECT. I chose TMS over ECT because I felt
like the success rate of the treatment was very promising and it did not present the same set of risks as ECT.“Over the course of the TMS treatment, I noticed that not only did my depression and anxiety symptoms
recede, but I noticed a significant change in my attitude and in the way that I would approach situations. I
became more outgoing, would find myself enjoying activities that had seemed tiresome, found myself
smiling and laughing easier, and felt healthier physically and mentally. To say that I am extremely pleased would be a significant understatement. When I attempt to explain my
experience to other people, I struggle to find words that can fully describe the vast difference in the way I
feel now and the way that I felt before. The care provided by Dr. Lanocha was of a significantly different caliber than what I had received from other psychiatrists. Dr. Lanocha seems to take a genuine interest in his patients and took time to insure
that I was always in the loop about my treatment. My treatment could have worked only half as well as it did, and I would still consider it to be the most worthwhile investment I could ever make. TMS has been very beneficial to me, and I wish that all of my friends struggling with depression could have the same experience that I did. I always tell people about how the treatment works, and what it has done for me, but really the only thing that people really NEED to know is that it works.
— Gregg
“During the course of my life I started to suffer small bouts of depression during my 30's thru 50's. I was
lucky enough to manage the bouts through diet, exercise and medications. There finally came a time
when I had to be hospitalized and was suggested to try ECT. At that time I took seven courses without
side effects that put me back on my feet again so I could work, enjoy my activities and contribute to the
raising of my children on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, I stopped taking my medication yet continued
with my diet and exercise. Eventually after a year and a buildup of numerous stressors I ended back in
the hospital with more anxiety/depression than I had ever felt in my life. The ECT was tried again but the
side effects forced me to look for a different alternative. Thanks to the wonderful people at the hospital I
was introduced to Dr. Lanocha and TMS New England. An outpatient plan was established and I visited
TMS New England with some reservations. Dr. Lanocha and staff answered all my questions, FDA
approvals, risk/reward, costs/insurance, treatment cycle, follow-up etc. with great care.
After some discussion with family and friends the decision was made to move forward with a 4-6 week
treatment plan. The first few treatments felt a little funny; however, it is all non-invasive and even allowed
me to drive home after I was done. Essentially, I had no after effects. Within three weeks I was feeling
much better and even began my exercise regimen. By the 4th week we stated to taper down the
treatments, medication and begin planning for the future. I can't tell you how grateful I am for bringing my
life to some sense of order. My world, family and friends no longer seem like strangers when I was
engulfed with anxiety and depression. My hopes and desires are once being fulfilled with the important
things in my life. Thank you Dr. Lanocha and Staff!!!”
— Greg
"Dear Dr. Lanocha,
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for all that you have done for my son. The TMS treatment surpassed all of my expectations, but met all of my hopes. {He} is like a new person. He is laughing and joking, and declares that he is no longer depressed. He is more talkative and outgoing and seems to actually enjoy the company of others. Family and friends have noticed the 180 degree change and are recommending this treatment to others. His anxiety seems to have disappeared. I also wanted to thank you for the letter that you wrote to {his university} on his behalf. Your letter, along with the letter that he had written, persuaded {his university} to readmit him as a full-time student this fall. We have no way of knowing if he would have been readmitted without your letter, but can only believe that it was instrumental. He believes, as do his father and I, that he will be successful with his studies now that he is no longer depressed. Depression invaded and crippled every aspect of his life. We were certainly at a desperate place in our lives with our worry for {our son} before we learned of you and your treatment center. In our experience with psychiatrists and antidepressant therapy, he had had only marginal improvement. Doctors would see him for 5-10 minutes and send him on his way with an increase in dosage or a new medicine to try and send him on his way. As one after another failed to work, {his} depression continued to worsen and he grew more and more hopeless. Upon meeting you and throughout the course of his treatment, {he} felt that he was listened to and taken seriously and the you sincerely cared about him as a person as well as a patient. Your level of care and caring have meant more to our family than you can know. All we can do is say thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
— Mother of TMS patient
To read more patient stories, please visit The Depression Hope Center.
