Today there are many proven treatment options available to people diagnosed with depression. Deep TMS therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is one of the latest and most promising treatments for depression today. TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that has proven effective in reducing symptoms of severe depression.
TMS therapy works by sending magnetic pulses to the part of the brain that is thought to be responsible for controlling mood. These pulses stimulate nerve cells and help improve communication between different brain areas.
This can help reduce symptoms of depression drastically without the traditional side effects often associated with other depression treatments, such as medication. Being an FDA-approved treatment, deep TMS has undergone extensive clinical testing and has proven to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for major depression.
What To Expect During Treatment
During a deep TMS treatment session, you will be seated in a comfortable chair with a specialized helmet-like device placed over your head. The device has an electromagnetic coil that emits magnetic pulses which pass through your skull and into your brain. You will not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment, and you will be able to read a book or watch TV during treatment.
Most people require multiple treatment sessions to see a significant improvement in their symptoms. Treatment is typically carried out once a day for four to six weeks (acute treatment phase). The precise number of sessions will depend on the patient’s individual needs and response to treatment. One treatment session can last between 30 to 40 minutes.
Once you have completed the acute treatment phase, you may need to undergo maintenance treatments on an as-needed basis in order to keep your symptoms at bay. Typically, the remission rates after deep TMS are very high, with patients often remaining symptom-free for six months to one year.
Is TMS Therapy Safe?
Deep TMS is a safe and well-tolerated outpatient treatment with little to no side effects. The most common side effect is headaches, which typically go away soon after treatment. Other potential side effects include dizziness, facial tingling, and scalp discomfort.
Who Can Benefit From TMS Therapy?
Deep TMS can be an effective alternative treatment for patients who have failed to respond to other depression treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy. It can also be an effective treatment for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects often associated with depression medication.
However, anyone with any type of metallic implant in the head or neck areas, with the exception of dental fillings and braces, may not be a candidate for deep TMS treatment.
Final Thoughts
Deep TMS is a new, exciting alternative treatment for treatment-resistant depression that has shown great promise. If you are looking for an effective, drug-free treatment option with little to no side effects, deep TMS may be right for you.
As with any other treatment, TMS therapy is not a magic bullet and will not work for everyone. If you are considering TMS therapy, speak with a certified provider to learn more.