Psychiatric Assessment for TMS

Psychiatric assessment for TMS is typically the first step toward seeking alternative ways to treat depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves placing a magnetic coil on a patient’s head and using it to send magnetic pulses into the brain. These magnetic waves are converted into electrical currents inside the brain, helping to activate areas with reduced activity. It leads to the creation of more neurotransmitters, improving communication between neurons and reducing the symptoms of depression.

The prefrontal cortex is usually the target of TMS treatments since it manages emotions and mood. TMS treatment typically includes getting up to five treatment sessions every week for six weeks. It is effective for most patients, and many get to enjoy the results of their treatment for over a year. Psychiatric assessment for TMS is performed to determine if it is the right way to treat a patient’s mental health disorder. The procedure can be used to treat issues like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

Psychiatric assessment for TMS

Some of the steps taken while assessing patients for transcranial magnetic stimulation include:

1. An evaluation to diagnose the patient or confirm an existing diagnosis

The first step toward providing TMS treatments is determining if the patient needs the treatment. A physical examination might be conducted to assess if an undiagnosed health issue is the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Blood tests might be requested to help rule out physical issues.

The psychiatrist will then evaluate the patient’s mental health by performing an interview and giving them a questionnaire to fill out. The questionnaire is usually focused on the patient rating the frequency of their symptoms. The doctor will also go over the patient’s mental health history to evaluate any other mental issues they have had in the past or treatments they have already tried for their depression.

2. Assess if psychotherapy or medication can be effective

Psychiatrists typically recommend the most conservative treatments available to their patients when they can. For mental health issues like depression, antidepressants and talk therapy are usually the first option explored. Advances in medicine now allow psychiatrists to tailor antidepressants to the patient’s genetic markers, increasing their effectiveness.

Psychiatrists normally only recommend alternative treatments like neurostimulation when medication has proven to be ineffective. They will confirm that the patient has moderate to severe depression before recommending TMS therapy.

3. Screening for issues that could cause potential problems during TMS therapy

TMS therapy is a safe way to treat depression. The Food and Drug Administration approves its use as a treatment for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, some patients have existing problems that could affect the effectiveness of the treatment or make it unsafe. This includes:

• Having metal plates, screws, or fragments in the head
• Pregnancy
• A history of seizures
• Medical devices implanted inside the body
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Give TMS therapy a try

Our psychiatrist has years of experience treating depression with medication and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Call or drop by our New York clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.

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