Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) depression treatment is an effective way to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of depression. It serves as an excellent alternative for people who would rather not take medication for their depression and those who suffer severe side effects when they take antidepressants.
Psychiatrists often recommend it for patients with treatment-resistant depression. It can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with medication for optimal results.
Benefits of TMS depression treatment
Let us go over some of the reasons why TMS therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for depression:
1. Safe, non-invasive approach
TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The procedure does not cause pain, so there is no need for sedatives or anesthetics.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is performed by placing a magnetic coil on the patient's head and repeatedly turning the coil on and off. The device sends magnetic waves into the patient's brain, stimulating brain activity, which in turn reduces the symptoms of depression.
The patient sits in a chair for the treatment, and earplugs are provided to protect their ears from the noise made by the machine. A standard TMS session lasts between 20 to 40 minutes.
Side effects are rare with TMS therapy. The main side effects associated with the procedure include headaches, scalp irritation, nausea, and dizziness. Less than 1% of people who get TMS therapy suffer seizures as a side effect. Due to this, TMS therapy is typically not recommended for people with a history of seizures.
2. Excellent results
People who opt for TMS therapy frequently experience positive results in as few as two weeks after starting their treatments. People who take antidepressants while getting TMS therapy often notice positive results sooner.
TMS depression treatment usually involves getting five treatment sessions per week for four to six weeks. Most patients report a noticeable reduction in their symptoms by the time they have finished their first cycle. Others might have to get additional cycles if their symptoms are still present.
Patients who complete transcranial magnetic stimulation can be free from symptoms of depression for up to a year after finishing their treatment. Some patients are free of these symptoms for years, while others are depression-free for the rest of their lives.
3. Can eliminate the need for medication
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an effective way to treat depression, whether it is used as a standalone treatment or combined with antidepressants. Antidepressants effectively treat depression, but they come with side effects like stomach aches, headaches, poor sleep quality, low sex drive, and irregular heartbeat.
TMS serves as an alternative for people who suffer adverse side effects from using antidepressants and those who prefer a medication-free approach to treating depression.
Get treatment for depression
Our psychiatrist can help you to put the symptoms of depression behind you and increase your quality of life. Call or visit 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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Depression Treatment in New York, NY.
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