Living with treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders can be an extremely frustrating experience for patients and their loved ones. These conditions can significantly impair daily life, and traditional treatments – such as medication and therapy – are not always adequate or effective in managing the symptoms.
It’s estimated that between 20-60% of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders don’t respond to traditional medical interventions. As a result, many people are turning to alternative treatments like deep TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for relief.
What is Deep TMS?
Deep TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It uses a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain thought to be involved in mood and emotional regulation.
Unlike traditional TMS, which targets the surface of the brain, deep TMS uses a specialized coil to reach deeper brain structures for more comprehensive brain stimulation.
Who Can Benefit From Deep TMS?
Deep TMS may be an option for individuals who have not had success with traditional treatments such as medication and talk therapy. It’s typically used as a treatment for depression, but it may also be effective for other conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Deep TMS may be used as a stand-alone therapy or in conjunction with other treatments to improve treatment outcomes.
Difference between Traditional TMS and Deep TMS
The key difference between traditional TMS and deep TMS is the depth of stimulation. Traditional TMS is designed to stimulate the outer layers of the brain and utilizes an 8-shaped coil, while deep TMS uses a deeper-penetrating H-shaped coil to penetrate deeper into the brain – which has been linked to better treatment outcomes.
Preparing for Deep TMS Treatment
Deep TMS therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that is usually safe and well tolerated. As such, there are no major preparations needed before treatment. However, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
First, talk to your doctor about whether or not deep TMS is right for you. They will be able to assess your specific case and determine if it is a viable treatment option.
Next, you should discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped before starting deep TMS treatment to prevent potential adverse reactions.
It’s also a good idea to discuss any metal implants or devices you may have with your doctor. Deep TMS uses a magnetic field, which can interfere with certain metal or ferromagnetic implants/devices.
The Bottom Line
Deep TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It may be an effective treatment option for individuals who have not had any success with traditional treatments like medication and talk therapy.
If you are considering deep TMS therapy, it is important to speak with a licensed provider about whether or not it is appropriate for you. They can help assess your situation and ensure you’re adequately prepared before commencing treatment.
