Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective treatment for depression, and it is often recommended when therapy and medication are insufficient to treat a patient’s symptoms. The treatment involves getting multiple treatments over the course of about six weeks. The average patient gets about five treatments per week during this period, with each session lasting about an hour.
TMS is performed by placing an electromagnetic coil on the patient’s forehead. The coil sends magnetic waves into the patient’s prefrontal cortex, stimulating nerve cells and increasing brain activity.
TMS therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients are free to return to their normal activities afterward. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not cause noticeable pain, so anesthetics are not used.
The procedure involves using magnetic waves to increase brain activity in areas with low activity. According to Healthline, low brain activity in the prefrontal cortex is linked to depression. TMS can also be used to address other mental health disorders, like Alzheimer’s, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety.
The patient does not feel the magnetic waves entering their brain, so they do not experience pain. A TMS session can last anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and the treatment plan that has been crafted for them. Patients are typically able to return to work right after their treatment.
The first cycle of TMS treatments often includes up to five sessions per week over about six weeks. Once that has been completed, additional treatments might be recommended until the psychiatrist is satisfied with the patient’s improvements. Anyone who plans to get TMS therapy should expect their treatment to last at least six weeks.
Every patient’s experience with TMS is unique, so it is difficult to predict how many sessions a patient needs before their depression symptoms are significantly reduced. Some patients report noticeable results in as little as two weeks, while it might take several weeks of treatment for others to get similar results. Factors like the patient’s brain chemistry and age dictate how quickly their symptoms start to lessen. Younger patients usually get faster results from TMS therapy because their brains adapt to change faster.
How long the effects of TMS therapy last also varies from patient to patient. The treatment is enough to eliminate all symptoms of depression for some patients. Many patients report seeing improvements up to a year after getting TMS therapy. The benefits of TMS typically last a while, and patients can get additional treatments in the future if their symptoms return.
Check out what others are saying about our TMS services on Yelp: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in New York, NY
Depression can take the joy out of life and affect your relationships. TMS can provide relief from your symptoms if conventional treatments like therapy and medication have failed. Give us a call or stop by our New York location to learn more.
Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
Treating major depressive illness with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) magnetic fields is non-invasive and non-systemic. This method, often recommended when conventional therapies such as antidepressant treatment and talk therapy have failed, can produce significant relief from depression symptoms.Some patients undergoing TMS for depression may be reluctant to forego their antidepressant medication throughout the 6-week treatment…
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…
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) might be an effective option for people whose depression does not respond to medication, or who want to avoid medication side effects. Mental illness is more common than people think, and depression is one of the most prevalent forms of it. Traditional treatments, such as medication or talk therapy, are often…
Every year, more than 17 million individuals in the United States deal with depression. Depression, characterized by disruptions in a person's emotions, behavior, and thoughts, deprives a person of their ability to experience pleasure in life. Patients often experience a state of near-total numbness or persistent grief. The psychiatrist will typically recommend the proper treatment…
Non-invasive depression treatment is a great way to alleviate symptoms of depression safely. This review provides everything about non-invasive depression treatment options, including your options and how to choose the right treatment plan.Non-invasive depression treatment is a form of depression treatment that focuses on the safest possible treatments. Certain medications and procedures are often invasive…