Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was introduced in 1985 as a neurodiagnostic tool for brain stimulation. Since then, it has been used in trials, especially in the treatment of psychiatric disorders like depression. Many patients who do not respond to other treatments find relief from the symptoms of depression through TMS therapy.
Depression is a significant issue affecting people from all walks of life across the United States. Research indicates that depression is the leading cause of disability in the nation. However, it often improves with treatment. The primary treatment for Clinical Depression is a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy. However, some people with stubborn symptoms have what’s called Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). TMS has been proven to help about 50-60% of these patients.
If you have been struggling with major depressive disorder, schedule a TMS therapy session at Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa today and get help.
TMS is FDA approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)*
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells (influence brain activity). The magnetic fields work to help improve mental health disorder symptoms. The treatment is often used when other treatments aren’t effective at treating depression symptoms.
But TMS could also be used if the patient experiences adverse side effects from antidepressant medications. TMS treatment can help this population as they are more prone to developing severe side effects from using antidepressants. TMS therapy can be performed in different ways. The method depends on the magnet strength, pulse patterns, magnetic coil type, and pulse frequency.
How Does TMS Work?
A look at the brain of a depressed person shows inactivity in the depressed areas. TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to target those depressed parts of the brain and stimulate them. Effectively, this breaks the cycle of depression, leading to improved mood.
A technician or physician performs TMS therapy on the patient. During treatment, the therapist places a magnetic coil on the scalp, which delivers the magnetic pulse. The patient must wear earplugs (to reduce the sound of magnetic impulses) before the technician commences treatment.
Once the session is done, the patient can drive back home and continue with their normal daily activities. Generally, it is an intensive treatment that requires consistency. Usually, a patient attends sessions five days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts for under an hour, usually 20-50 minutes.
How to Prepare for TMS
Before commencing TMS treatment, the patient undergoes physical and psychiatric evaluation to ensure it is a safe option for them. During the assessment, the patient should inform the physician if they;
- Are taking medication
- Have other mental disorders
- Are pregnant
- Have a history of seizures
- Have had TMS treatment before
- Have metal or implanted medical devices
However, others do not, so it is good to be sure that the treatment is covered before getting started. Most insurance companies will help cover the cost of your Advanced Therapy TMS consultation. Find out more by contacting our TMS treatment center today.
Benefits of TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
TMS is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression for several reasons. Patients who have tried and failed other treatments or those who experience adverse side effects from antidepressants prefer TMS. The patients are the ideal candidate for TMS treatment.
Some of the benefits of TMS therapy include the following:
Treatment targets the part of the brain responsible for controlling moods. This is unlike antidepressants which affect the entire body after entering the bloodstream.
Treatment does not require sedation. It is administered on the skin and has no adverse effect on the brain so that patients can carry on with their daily activities between sessions.
TMS has mild side effects, which go away in no time. The most severe side effect would be a seizure, but they are pretty insignificant.
TMS has proven effective treatment for depression, especially in patients who do not respond to the standard treatment approaches.
Patients can also undergo traditional psychotherapy alongside TMS. This helps keep repeat symptoms away, further enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness. Furthermore, unlike with antidepressant medications, patients undergoing TMS can also retain the motivation necessary to participate in their normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for TMS
The success rate of TMS therapy can vary depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and other factors such as the duration of treatment and the intensity of the magnetic field used.
Generally, for depression, TMS has been effective in up to 50-60% of patients. For OCD and anxiety, success rates have been between 40-60%.
To qualify for TMS treatment, a person typically needs to have a DSM diagnosis of depression (F32 or F33) or another mental health condition that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy.
The most common negative side effects of TMS are generally mild. However, these typically include headaches, scalp discomfort, and tingling of facial muscles. These symptoms usually subside within a few minutes to hours after treatment.
There are less common side effects, and these are dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in overall mood. Finally, there is a small risk of seizures, although this side effect is incredibly rare.
A typical course of TMS treatment usually involves five sessions per week for four to six weeks, for a total of 20 to 30 sessions.
The duration of each session can also vary, but a typical TMS session lasts about 30 minutes. At Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa, we can also supplement your TMS treatment with enlightening spa services.
Schedule an Appointment for TMS Therapy Today
People with treatment-resistant depression may be reluctant to seek support. This is especially true after many failed attempts at treatment for depression. However, TMS therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression.
If you have Treatment-Resistant Depression, visit Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa in the Chicago area. We provide patients with TMS therapy and other services to improve their mental health. Our team of professionals is available to answer any questions. We provide support for patients at every stage of mental health recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help.
