Cutting-Edge Depression Treatment With TMS

Many individuals who have been diagnosed with depression and have experienced little or no success with traditional treatments can turn to TMS. Even though our knowledge of mental health has come a long way, an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from major depressive disorder each year. 

What exactly is TMS?

TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields. This treatment has been shown to help those with major depressive disorder. The FDA has authorized it, and the American Psychiatric Association has recommended it for patients who have had no success with previous therapies. This outpatient surgery does not require hospitalization and only takes about 40 minutes. Clients do not need anesthesia for these sessions due to the non-invasive nature of TMS. The technique is relaxing, safe, and quick.

What to expect with a typical TMS session

Patients will need to undergo a physical checkup and a few additional tests before being authorized for TMS. This is to guarantee that they are eligible for this treatment approach. Those who are pregnant or have medical equipment inserted (such as pacemakers or medicine pumps), for example, are not suitable candidates.

They will also need to ask a professional therapist about the symptoms, which will help determine candidacy for TMS. The health professional needs to know about current medications, including OTC items and herbal supplements, and any headaches, ailments, or previous injuries. While TMS is a low-risk therapy, the medical team should always have a complete overview of the patient's health. The sessions will begin after the patient has been approved for the treatment.

Each TMS session lasts around 40 minutes, though patients will need to set aside additional time to complete documentation before the first sessions. During each session, the team will attach an electromagnetic coil to the patient's head and adjust the machine to their specifications.

When the session starts, the coil sends out painless electromagnetic pulses to the portions of the brain that affect mood (including depression). A tapping feeling and a clicking sound will be felt on the forehead. The magnetic dose is adjusted as required by the technician.

The specific mechanics underlying TMS are diverse and complicated. Research demonstrates that the therapy modifies brain activity and increases mood over time. These visits will be arranged daily for four to six weeks, five times each week.

Research outlook

Numerous research studies on the influence of TMS on mental health and other brain diseases have been undertaken. TMS has shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, persistent vegetative states, epilepsy, stroke-related impairment, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and traumatic brain injuries, among other neurologic disorders. It is also linked to improvements in anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Get treated for depression

If you are considering TMS for yourself or a loved one, please reach out today for an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at (917) 391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.

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