TMS Is an Effective Depression Treatment Without Medication

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, also known as TMS, is a type of therapy used to treat depression. Psychiatrists often recommend TMS when a patient's symptoms are not lessened with more traditional treatment.

Medication and therapy are effective for many individuals suffering from depression, but unfortunately, they are not always enough. Some patients are resistant to these treatments, while others experience intolerable side effects that make the treatment not worth it.

TMS therapy is another treatment option available to patients. This type of electromagnetic treatment can be provided as a standalone procedure or in addition to existing medication.

Four things to know about TMS treatment for depression

Many patients are considering TMS treatment for depression. They can prepare for a conversation with their doctor by learning about this type of therapy and how it can help.

TMS can be used to treat depression

There is still so much about depression that psychiatrists do not understand. However, brain scans of individuals with depression often reveal that the areas of their brain involved with mood regulation are not as active as they should be.

TMS therapy works to stimulate these areas of the brain with low activity. The technology’s gentle pulses are just strong enough to force brain neurons to fire, thus stimulating parts of the brain with low activity. By encouraging the neurons to fire, TMS can help reset the brain and help it shift back to a healthy pattern.

TMS is effective without medication

TMS therapy works as either a standalone treatment or in addition to existing medication. In most cases, the psychiatrist will recommend it as another option if medicine has not proved effective.

TMS treatment is safe

The FDA approved TMS for treating depression in 2008, and it has been available as a treatment option ever since. Some individuals are less receptive to typical treatments like medication and psychotherapy. In these cases, the doctor may recommend TMS therapy.

There is no need for general anesthesia during the session, and the patient will be awake the entire time. Some patients report minor side effects, such as headaches, discomfort, and dizziness. However, these side effects typically fade after the first week of treatment.

TMS treatment is non-invasive

The technician will ask the patient to remove any metal during a therapy session, such as jewelry. The patient will sit in a chair as a technician measures their head and personalizes the TMS machine settings.

Once the machine is ready, the technician will set a coil over the patient’s head and begin treatment. The coil will emit clicking sounds, and the patient will feel light tapping from the coil.

Treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. When the session is complete, the patient is safe to drive home.