Do you have depression?
Is medication not helping?
If so, perhaps repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the best treatment. This article will help you learn more about TMS and whether it may be able to provide relief for your symptoms.
Does TMS work better than antidepressants?
These two studies show that TMS is more effective when a patient has tried at least two antidepressants than trying another antidepressant.
TMS works by sending magnetic pulses to the brain, which stimulates nerve cells in areas that control mood. TMS is used as a treatment for those suffering from depression who have not been helped by antidepressant medications or other treatment options such as psychotherapy and/or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
TMS may be a good option if you don’t want to take medication every day, are unable to take ECT due to health reasons, prefer outpatient treatment over hospitalization, or would like another form of care apart from drugs.
TMS does not cause any of the side effects associated with medications or ECT; TMS is generally well tolerated, with few mild-to-moderate side effects that improve shortly after each session. Common side effects include headache, scalp tenderness, muscle spasms around the mouth during treatment, or lightheadedness. Your treatment team may adjust the stimulation level or recommend that you take over-the-counter pain medication to address mild side effects. Serious side effects of TMS, such as seizures and hearing loss, are rare.
A typical TMS session lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, except the first appointment, which is longer. TMS therapy is delivered five days per week over four to six weeks. TMS is performed in an outpatient setting without general anesthesia or sedation. You will be able to resume normal activities after your treatment session.
The World Health Organization tells us that depression is the leading cause of disability globally. It’s no surprise that researchers are determined to find safe and effective treatments for this debilitating illness, which impacts nearly 350 million people worldwide each year—and can lead to not just physical but also mental health complications like anxiety or substance abuse disorders along its course toward recovery!
The two major studies on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) demonstrate how it works as an option when medications fail; one was conducted by STAR*D team who found evidence supporting TMS over typical psychotherapy sessions–with fewer side effects too.
Depression Looks Different for Everyone
One of the most commonly understood symptoms of major depressive disorder is an overwhelming feeling of sadness. But no two people experience depression in exactly the same way. While feeling sad is a hallmark of the condition, there are many other symptoms of depression as well, including:
• Persistent fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia, or oversleeping
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Drastic change in appetite
• Memory loss
• Digestive problems
• Physical aches or cramps
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
It’s recommended to have 30-36 treatments. This generally involves five treatments a week for 4-6 weeks. In some cases, it may recommend having additional treatments for optimal results.
Most TMS providers find that TMS has a success rate at between 70% or 80%, meaning that most individuals find significant relief after treatment. About 50% of people experience complete remission, meaning that the symptoms of depression are absent after just one course of treatment.
Schedule a TMS consultation with us today if you’re suffering from depression despite treatment with antidepressants or looking for a natural option to address a mental health condition!