TMS Therapy for Depression | Effectiveness & Benefits

Life with depression is like a never-ending war. Global health studies have shown that more than 280 million individuals in the world are affected by depression, and the necessity to have effective and alternative means of treatment is more than ever before. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a new form of depression treatment that is transforming the lives of depressed people who believed that they had tried everything. The transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression does not imply surgery, anesthesia, or systemic medication, which is why it is an option for people who want to have a non-drug treatment.

What Is TMS Therapy for Depression?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that involves the employment of magnetic fields to arouse specific nerve cells in the brain in charge of regulating mood. This innovative transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression was approved by the FDA in 2008, and it has become an effective solution for people with major depressive disorder, especially after they have failed to receive sufficient relief through the traditional means of treatment.

Research indicates that two-thirds of patients in remission or at least half of their symptoms can be reduced, since depression transcranial magnetic stimulation is an attractive option among patients who require an effective treatment of depression.

In contrast to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression does not need anesthesia, does not generate intentionally induced seizures, and does not cause memory loss. Patients are not required to be put to sleep during the procedure, and they are free to resume their normal lives right after the procedure.

Effectiveness of TMS for Depression 

There is substantial clinical support for the effectiveness of depression transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. There are several studies with excellent success rates, as they report that about 70-80 percent of patients feel very well after the sessions. Recent extensive research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, in which approximately 70 percent of the adolescent and other young adult patients were treated with TMS for treatment-resistant depression, revealed that these patients experienced significant improvement following the treatment.

According to another study published in Harvard Health, 50-60 percent of those with depression who did not respond to medications had a clinically significant response to transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for depression, and one-third of patients remitted.

How TMS Works for Depression

In depressed individuals, there are brain areas that are mostly not active. TMS for treatment-resistant depression ignites these brain cells. Patients don’t have to stay at the hospital after the treatment because it is not invasive:

• Brain Activity: In patients with depression, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is usually less active, which contributes to the difficulties in the process of regulating mood. Depression TMS treatment narrows down to this inactive area to bring about a sense of balance.
• Magnetic Pulse Technology: Magnetic pulses produced in the process of TMS therapy for depression and anxiety penetrate the skull and cause miniature electrical currents in the target areas of the brain. These stimulating currents activate neurons and are useful in the revival of normal activity patterns of the neuron networks controlling mood. The high-frequency stimulation usually triggers inactive brain areas, whereas the low-frequency stimulation may be used to quiet the hyperactive areas.
• Neuroplasticity: During the treatment process, an average of 20 to 30 sessions, which comprise five days a week, the repeated magnetic pulses under the electromagnetic therapy for depression cause the brain to make long-term changes in its functioning. This is called neuroplasticity and enables the brain to restructure itself and form healthier neurophysiological patterns of activity.

Benefits of TMS Therapy for Depression

TMS therapy for depression and anxiety has several specific strengths, which make it a good treatment option:

→ Non-Invasive Therapy. TMS does not have to involve any incision, anesthesia, or recovery, unlike surgery or implantable devices. The patient is capable of driving to and out of the appointment and to the workplace or any other activity at once.

→ Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression. TMS is especially beneficial for individuals who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.

→ Side Effects are Minimal. The side effect profile is exceptionally good compared to antidepressant drugs. Antidepressants may provoke weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and cognitive fog. However, TMS or magnetic therapy for depression side effects are mild, and they usually do not last long.

→ Specific Effect. TMS treatment for depression exclusively targets the brain areas that are connected to depression, as compared to medications, which have systemic effects throughout the body.

→ No Systemic Drug Exposure. Because TMS does not involve medication, it avoids drug interactions and is safe for patients who cannot tolerate antidepressants.

→ Improves Cognitive Function. Magnetic therapy for depression does not cause brain fog. But some antidepressant medications do! TMS depression treatment can actually improve your focus, memory, and mental clarity.

→ Long-Lasting Symptom Relief. Who does not need long-term relief from depression? You can get it with TMS therapy for depression and anxiety. 

Many patients experience sustained improvement in their depressive symptoms for months after completing a full course of TMS therapy.

→ Outpatient and Time-Efficient.  Brain stimulation therapy for depression sessions are not so time-consuming. They can fit easily into your daily routines without disrupting work or personal life.

→ Personalized Treatment Approach. TMS parameters can be adjusted to each patient’s brain activity and symptom severity for optimized outcomes.

→ Low Risk of Serious Adverse Effects. TMS has a strong safety profile with no risk of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or sedation.

Side Effects of TMS Treatment for Depression

Although transcranial magnetic stimulation depression treatment is safe, as a rule, it is well-tolerated, but it is also worth learning about possible side effects:

• Common: Mild headache or scalp discomfort is the most common side effect of treatment, and it is likely to fade out soon after each session and tends to fade as treatment continues.
• Minor: Other potential side effects are temporary tingling or twitching of facial muscles, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to sound produced by the clicking of sounds made by the device.
• Rare: Seizure occurs at less than 0.01 per session, which is very uncommon. The healthcare providers ensure that medical patients are thoroughly screened prior to the brain stimulation therapy for depression so as to reduce this risk.
• Contraindications: TMS treatment for depression is not appropriate for patients with metal implants in or around the head, those with a history of seizures, and those with some neurological issues.

TMS vs Medication and Other Depression Treatments 

Is TMS The Right Option For You?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation depression treatment can be an alternative in case medication has failed to treat depression, and side effects have complicated treatment. It is especially useful when a person needs an outpatient treatment, which is not based on the use of drugs, but does not have significant effects on the organization of everyday life.

Why Should You Choose Health & Psychiatry for TMS Depression Treatment?

Health & Psychiatry provides a wide range of assessment and treatment services with experienced providers in the case of TMS depression treatment in Tampa, Florida.

Stop letting depression run your life and take control! Book your consultation today!

FAQS

Does TMS lead to aggravation of depression?

TMS is generally not associated with aggravation of depression, and the majority of patients show an improvement of symptoms, other than deterioration.

How effective is TMS depression treatment?

TMS has proven to be one of the most effective treatments, particularly in treatment-resistant cases, where most patients have reported that the treatment has eased their conditions.

Does TMS work for depression?

Yes, transcranial magnetic stimulation depression treatment is a medically proven intervention that stimulates the brain to react to the depressive symptoms.

Do I need to be hospitalized to receive transcranial magnetic stimulation depression treatment?

No, you don’t need to be hospitalized for TMS therapy. 

Who is a good candidate for TMS therapy?

Unresponsive adults with depression who do not respond to medication are the best candidates.

Are there any long-term risks associated with tms depression treatment?

The risks are low in the long term, and TMS is deemed safe when used by a qualified specialist.