TMS Is an FDA Approved Depression Treatment

You may never have heard of TMS therapy before, but it is becoming more common in treating depression. If you are suffering from this mental health condition, you should get help right away. You do not have to let this illness rob your happiness and enjoyment of life. Treating the condition with the right approach is vital. TMS is an approved alternative or supplement to medication and other therapies.

A brief discussion about depression

Feeling depressed is not something a person and loved ones should take lightly. When an individual’s feelings of sadness and bleakness persist or increase, TMS therapy can help. Many people feel down from time to time. However, serious depression can impact a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Common signs of depression include no longer enjoying activities that the person once loved. A depressed person may feel hopeless or unmotivated. Such a person may have sleep irregularities or diet problems. Irritability and other mood problems can result. In the most extreme cases, the person may talk about or attempt suicide.

TMS: a different approach to treating depression

Often a psychiatrist will prescribe medication for a depressed patient. But drugs do not always render the desired results. Other treatments such as therapy may complement or replace medication. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a type of therapy that targets the brain as a method of managing the symptoms of depression.

This technique aims to stimulate the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls mood and behavior. Psychiatrists have found that when activity here has slowed, depression can ensue. To revitalize the activity, the psychiatrist may recommend TMS. Here, a technician will place an electromagnetic coil on the person’s head. Then, magnetic pulses shoot into the brain, stimulating activity once more.

An approved and pain-free option

Some people may wonder whether TMS is a wise method for treating depression. There could be some worries about its safety and legitimacy. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the treatment, sanctioning its use under the supervision of qualified, licensed professionals. There is no use of medication with this therapy. Also, the patient should not feel any discomfort or pain during the process. There can be some loud noises from the coils and pulsing.

Effectiveness

No treatment is 100% successful in all cases all of the time. However, patients and loved ones can take comfort to know that TMS is a widely successful approach. The patient will go through five 30-minute sessions five days a week. This will last for four to six weeks. Afterward, many people report having far fewer depression symptoms and can manage their depression well.