Reasons for TMS Depression Treatment

Going through a TMS treatment series can eliminate your depression. This therapy can work even if you have treatment-resistant depression. It is an alternative therapy you can talk to your doctor about. The therapy does not even take a lot of your time or effort. If you want to know more about the reason for getting a TMS treatment for your depression, here are the facts.

Approved and recommended

The FDA approved this treatment for depression back in 2008. The American Psychiatric Association recommended it for depression treatment in adults back in 2010. TMS is for patients who do not improve with conventional depression treatments. The evident results have led major insurance providers to offer coverage for this therapy.

Less intense side effects

ECT involves running electric currents through the patient’s brain. This is a painful, invasive procedure. It needs sedatives or anesthesia to relax the patient and remove the pain. ECT often results in memory loss or convulsions. Antidepressants also have side effects like appetite loss.

TMS does not have these negative effects. It stimulates the brain and does so in thirty minutes. The patient can drive home or back to work right after the treatment. The depression symptoms reduce in a significant way. It is normal to get mild headaches during or after the session. Taking pain relievers can help manage it.

Gives quick results and lasting relief

It takes a long time before conventional treatments for depression show results. Some patients do not even improve. TMS treatment needs six to seven weeks of weekly sessions, and results already show. Some patients report getting relief from their symptoms after only a few sessions. The results last for years in many patients as well. Checkups every six months after the treatment series are important.

Removes dependence on medication

Conventional depression treatments involve taking antidepressants and engaging in talk therapy. Taking antidepressants results in various side effects. These may be mild in some patients and severe in others. There are cases when patients develop a dependence on these prescription medications. TMS does not cause dependency. It is quick and effective brain stimulation.

Does not need an entire day

Busy schedules and demanding work can make it difficult to get the right depression treatment. Talk therapy can last for hours. The patient would need to schedule an entire day for it. TMS will take 30 minutes. The patient can have a session before or after work. It can even happen during lunch break.

This treatment series does not need anesthesia or sedation. The patient will not be drowsy or dizzy. This will enable the patient to drive right after the treatment. Returning to daily activities will be easier after every treatment session.

Treats chronic pain

Severe depression often worsens due to chronic pain. Conditions like fibromyalgia can prevent the patient from feeling good. This treatment can help treat depression symptoms. It does so by controlling the neurotransmitters responsible for the pain sensation.

Helps treat anxiety

Anxiety and depression often occur together. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for a person’s fears and worries. Anxiety increases the activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. TMS targets the area of the brain that anxiety affects. It works well with cognitive processing therapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Essentials of a therapy session

Having this treatment each week is not invasive at all. It does not need anesthesia. A patient may have it as an outpatient procedure. There will be no need to ask someone to drive the patient home.

Each session needs five says of visits every week for many weeks. Every session can last for 20-50 minutes. The patient will see the doctor or technician. Determining the right intensity and target area will be next. The landmark will be the motor cortex.

Calculations will help locate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain has low activity in patients with depression. Some patients improve after one session. The target area may become more active after the treatment. The patient may begin to experience significant relief by the third or sixth treatment week.

A TMS treatment series for depression can change your life

Treating depression has always been challenging. In some cases, patients do not improve through conventional therapies and medication. That is why doctors tend to recommend TMS to their patients. Talking about this treatment with your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for it.

Get more information about NYC Psychiatric Associates in New York at https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com.

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