The Effectiveness of TMS for the Treatment of Depression

Considering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy? Read on to learn more about this alternative treatment for depression. When it comes to treatments for depression, antidepressants are often the first choice. However, there are a variety of alternative things to explore besides medications. TMS is one of these choices, which is an effective therapeutic option that has yielded positive results in many people dealing with depression.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS treatment is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that involves brain stimulation with magnetic coils which are placed on the scalp. These coils transmit targeted magnetic impulses to nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, especially the left prefrontal cortex, commonly involved in mood regulation. These impulses positively affect neurotransmitters in the brain, alleviating feelings of depression and anxiety.

TMS’s effectiveness for depression

TMS therapy can be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Many patients do not find relief or any symptom reduction with antidepressant drugs, or the adverse effects are just too much for them to tolerate. As a result, there is a pressing demand for effective alternative remedies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS to treat MDD in 2005. In 2013, it also approved the commercialization of transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat discomfort associated with certain migraines. While there are new therapeutic alternatives available with little to no side effects, people may be curious about TMS therapy's advantages and success rates.

Approximately 60 to 75% of those who had undergone TMS therapy saw some improvements to their depression symptoms. Some people notice a 50% reduction in their symptoms (Harvard Medical School Publishing). Nearly half of all persons who had TMS therapy achieved complete resolution of their symptoms. It is worth noting that although these findings are encouraging, they do not always imply symptom remission for the long term.

According to Harvard Medical School, the recurrence of symptoms is common and associated with other treatments for mood disorders, such as medication and psychotherapy. On the other hand, many TMS patients report symptom reduction or eradication for months after completing treatment, with an average symptom-free period of a little more than a year.

TMS therapy can be a successful treatment for MDD, and it can potentially become a more prevalent and helpful treatment option for other mental ailments and mood disorders in the future. While additional research is constantly needed to enhance and optimize the use of TMS therapy for MDD and other mental illnesses, there is no cause to doubt the effectiveness of TMS treatment.

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The bottom line

You may consider TMS treatment if you want to overcome depression but are worried about drug side effects. TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses tailored magnetic pulses to activate brain regions that impact mood. TMS can restore a person's mood in a short amount of time and help them return to their usual routine with no adverse side effects. Contact our psychiatry office today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.

Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.