Back in 1985, scientists first explored the idea of using electricity to stimulate the brain in what would one day be known as TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS treatment encourages neurons to fire and shift the brain from a depressed to a healthy pattern using small electromagnetic pulses. It is also sometimes referred to as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS.
Today, TMS can treat mood disturbances and mental health conditions such as depression. As a result, psychiatrists will often recommend it as an alternative or supplement to more traditional treatments, such as medication.
TMS therapy may be an option to help treat mood disturbances when traditional treatments are not enough. Keep reading to learn more about this type of treatment.
TMS is a type of therapy that stimulates the brain with repetitive electromagnetic pulses. While the idea of jolting the brain with electricity sounds intimidating, there is electricity running through the human brain all the time. The gentle pulses of TMS therapy are strong enough to force neurons to fire and stimulate activity in hypoactive areas of the brain.
Hypoactive brain areas could be linked to mental health conditions such as depression. The goal of TMS is to bring normal levels of activity back to these parts of the brain and return to a healthy pattern.
Deep TMS is a more advanced version of the technology, developed by BrainsWay, that can reach deeper structures in the brain compared to standard TMS therapy. It is the first TMS technology approved by the FDA to treat OCD.
The FDA approved both standard TMS and Deep TMS for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), more commonly referred to as depression. Many insurance providers offer coverage for this type of treatment.
In Europe, Deep TMS is certified to treat various other mental health conditions that affect a patient’s mood, such as bipolar disorder. BrainsWay continues to work toward expanding FDA approval to include these conditions in the United States too.
Although TMS is a relatively new technology, it has advanced over the years as scientists study and improve its effects. The FDA approved it in 2008. In 2019, a study from the Journal of Psychiatric Research confirmed the safety and efficiency of TMS therapy as a treatment option for MDD.
Patients can receive TMS therapy by itself or in addition to medication. A psychiatrist will often recommend TMS when their patient is resistant or immune to medication or when the side effects of the drug are intolerable.
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For many patients struggling with mood disturbances, prescription medication is enough to help them enjoy a normal life. However, medicine does not work for everyone.
TMS treatment can bridge the gap and offer another treatment option for patients. If you have questions about this type of therapy, we are here to help. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
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