What Advantages Does TMS Have Over Traditional Treatments For Depression?

TMS is quickly becoming popular ever since its official approval by the FDA as a viable treatment for depression. In contrast to medications and other conventional treatments for depression, TMS does not have unwanted side effects. The process is non-surgical and requires no sedation, as required with other depression treatments like deep brain stimulation. Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of transcranial magnetic stimulation over conventional treatments for depression.

The effectiveness of TMS

TMS has become more effective over the years as medical professionals discover newer treatment techniques and more accurate treatment points. Several studies are available to back the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation throughout the treatment phase and over the long term. For those who have attempted unsuccessfully to treat depression in the past with traditional methods like medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS has been proven to be an effective choice to consider.

Considering that up to 30 percent of patients dealing with depression are resistant to traditional antidepressants, Transcranial magnetic stimulation presents a worthy alternative. Studies have shown that between 50-60 percent of patients who are displeased with results from traditional treatments got relief from TMS. Therefore, TMS gives hope of recovery to patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Long-term results

The fact that the results of TMS last long after completing treatment makes the therapy different from other traditional treatments for depression. This is unlike medications, where patients must keep using them at defined intervals because stopping can increase the risk of relapse and discontinuation syndrome. Research shows that the results of TMS persist for a minimum of 12 months in 90 percent of patients.

Minimal or zero side effects

TMS is a non-invasive, focused therapy with a higher safety ratio than any antidepressant. Patients ingest medications, which go on to cause a diffuse and systemic response on the body. This often causes many unwanted side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, fatigue nausea, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and memory loss. Although TMS is not exactly free of side effects completely, being non-invasive makes it safe with fewer side effects that are mild and often disappear a few minutes after the treatment ends. Also, there are no reported long-term side effects, unlike other traditional treatments.

High success rate

The interesting fact about TMS is its high rate of success. The application of medications for treating depression has low chances of success if the first or second medication fails to provide needed respite. Several studies have shown that TMS has a success rate of up to 68 percent, compared to 37.5 percent for medications. Up to 90 percent of patients notice partial relief from significant symptoms.

Get TMS treatment for depression

TMS is a brain stimulation treatment for depression. However, before deciding on the procedure, it will be necessary to undergo an evaluation by a medical professional to know if you are eligible for TMS. If you are interested in the evaluation and treatment, contact the office to book an appointment.

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

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