Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is fast becoming a popular non-invasive depression therapy. With TMS, electromagnetic pulses help stimulate nerve cells without causing any damage to the cells themselves. It has the potential to alleviate the signs of mental and neurological problems. Patients suffering from depression may respond well to this treatment. This article focuses on TMS as a therapy for major depressive disorder.
For major depressive disorder, researchers and psychiatrists have investigated TMS therapy as an effective treatment option. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS as an option for treating depression. If antidepressants and talk therapy have not produced significant results in a patient, doctors may suggest this sort of brain stimulation instead. This situation is typically called treatment-resistant depression.
According to studies, 30 percent of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to conventional treatment approaches. Scientists have confirmed a connection to the underactive prefrontal cortex. Depression symptoms, including loss of appetite and low energy, all trace back to activity in this brain region. TMS has the potential to stimulate nerve cells and boost activity in the prefrontal cortex.
The standard treatment for MDD is antidepressants, which tend to cause intolerable side effects. In addition, adverse reactions to these drugs are more likely to occur in young people and children. Therefore, TMS works excellently for younger patients.
A mental health professional or trained technician will likely administer the treatment. These procedures do not need hospitalization. However, if the psychiatrist believes the patient is a risk to themselves and others, they may suggest a hospital stay for the treatment. Patients must take jewelry and other metal objects off their bodies before the therapy begins.
Initially, the doctor will instruct the patient to use the earplugs to muffle the clicking noise caused by the magnet's impulses. The patient will be seated comfortably in the treatment chair. Since this therapy will not involve cutting into the body, the patient will not require any anesthetics. During the session, the patient will be awake.
The doctor will take measurements of the patient's head during the first session to position the magnetic coil accurately. After that, the TMS machine adjusts by collecting more data to better serve the patient's needs. Next, the medical professional will place the coil above the brain's prefrontal cortex. After that, they will begin the therapy.
The magnetic impulses will make clicking noises. The area directly beneath the magnetic coil will also feel like it is being knocked or tapped. The session typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes. Afterward, patients can go about their routine and even drive home if an anesthetic is not used. For four to six weeks, the patient will do the process five days a week.
The effectiveness of the TMS treatment process is encouraging. Most patients who try this depression therapy report a positive reaction. Therefore, psychiatrists frequently use this type of therapy for various conditions. TMS may also be used to treat other disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Treatment for MDD often begins with antidepressants. However, patients may not all benefit equally from this therapy. Medical professionals, in such cases, often suggest TMS. Depression symptoms may be alleviated without the need for sedation or surgery with this non-invasive depression therapy. You may find out whether you require this kind of depression therapy by booking an appointment with a psychiatrist.
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