Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary treatment for depression that is gaining popularity worldwide. It is a non-invasive and non-toxic treatment modality that has shown promising results in treating various mental health conditions, especially treatment-resistant depression. TMS is a relatively new procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells. In this blog post, we will discuss what TMS is, how it works, and its potential benefits for individuals struggling with depression.
What is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This stimulation can alter the activity of brain cells, potentially leading to improvements in mood and other symptoms of depression. The FDA has approved TMS for treating depression that has not responded to other therapies.
TMS is a localized form of brain stimulation that targets specific regions of the brain responsible for regulating mood. By targeting these regions, TMS aims to improve mood by changing the activity of neurons in the brain.
How Does TMS Work?
TMS works by using a magnetic field to generate electrical currents in the brain. The magnetic field is created by a coil that is placed on the scalp. When the coil is activated, it produces a magnetic field that passes through the skull and into the brain.
The magnetic field produced by TMS can penetrate the brain tissue and stimulate the neurons in the targeted region. This stimulation can cause the neurons to become more active, leading to changes in brain activity that may improve mood and other symptoms of depression.
TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depression that does not respond to traditional treatments such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), TMS may be a promising alternative.
Patients who have undergone TMS treatment for TRD have reported significant improvements in their mood and quality of life. They have also reported an improvement in their ability to concentrate, think clearly, and make decisions.
The success rate of TMS treatment for TRD is around 60%, making it an attractive treatment option for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Potential Benefits of TMS
TMS has several potential benefits for individuals struggling with depression. One of the most significant benefits is that it is a non-invasive and non-toxic treatment modality. Unlike other forms of brain stimulation, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and does not cause seizures.
Another potential benefit of TMS is that it has relatively few side effects. Additionally, TMS treatment sessions are relatively short, typically lasting around 20 minutes. This means individuals receiving TMS can return to their daily activities right after treatment.
Patient Experiences
At the Center for Integrative Psychiatry, we have had several patients who have undergone TMS treatment for depression. These patients have reported significant improvements in their mood and other symptoms of depression. In particular, some patients have reported an increased interest in music and the ability to listen and enjoy music again.
One patient reported that they had not been able to listen to music for years due to their depression. However, after undergoing TMS treatment, they found that they were able to listen to music again and even began humming along to their favorite songs. Imagine that…for yourself!
Summary and Final Thoughts
TMS is a promising treatment modality for individuals struggling with depression, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression. It is a non-invasive and non-toxic treatment that has been shown to be effective in numerous clinical trials. TMS works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, leading to changes in brain activity that may improve mood and other symptoms of depression.
At the Center for Integrative Psychiatry, we offer TMS treatment for individuals struggling with depression, severe OCD and smoking cessation. Our team of expert professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients. We accept all leading insurances and offer a free consultation with our TMS team to check for eligibility for TMS treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, we encourage you to consider TMS as a potential treatment option. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you. Hum along and sing your favorite songs like you used to.
Please visit our website www.texascip.com, fill out the inquiry form and mention $25 today, to get a $25 credit towards future sessions.
Sources:
Dunner, D. L., Aaronson, S. T., Sackeim, H. A., Janicak, P. G., Carpenter, L. L., Boyadjis, T., … & Bunker, M. T. (2014). A multisite, naturalistic, observational study of transcranial magnetic stimulation for patients with pharmacoresistant major depressive disorder: durability of benefit over a 1-year follow-up period. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(12), 1394-1401.
FDA. (2018). TMS Therapy for Depression. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/patients
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-stimulation-therapies/brain-stimulation-therapies.shtml#part_153710
O’Reardon, J. P., Solvason, H. B., Janicak, P. G., Sampson, S., Isenberg, K. E., Nahas, Z., … & Sackeim, H. A. (2007). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression: a multisite randomized controlled trial. Biological Psychiatry, 62(11), 1208-1216.
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Center for Integrative Psychiatry. (2023). TMS Therapy for Depression. Retrieved from https://texascip.com/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/
