Cutting-Edge Depression Treatment With TMS

Many individuals who have been diagnosed with depression and have experienced little or no success with traditional treatments can turn to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Even though our knowledge of mental health has come a long way, an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from major depressive disorder. TMS is a non-invasive outpatient technique that appeals to patients who have not found relief from conventional therapies, such as psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.

What exactly is TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields. This treatment has been shown to help those with major depressive disorder. The FDA has authorized it, and the American Psychiatric Association has recommended it for patients who have had no success with previous therapies. This outpatient surgery does not require hospitalization and only takes about 40 minutes. Clients do not need anesthesia for these sessions due to the non-invasive nature of TMS. The technique is relaxing, safe, and quick.

Candidates for TMS

TMS is often recommended for people with unipolar major depression who have unsuccessfully tried at least one antidepressant medication. Patients who reacted well to a previous round of TMS might benefit from a second round of the treatment. The American Psychiatric Association recommends it for individuals with these conditions.

Patients should be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis of their treatment-resistant depression and whether TMS can be administered to them safely. The patient's psychiatric and medical history, physical and emotional well-being, and current mental state are all included in the evaluation. This assessment will highlight any risks of seizures and pre-existing neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, intracranial tumors, and vascular anomalies.

What to expect with a typical TMS session

Patients will need to undergo a physical checkup and a few additional tests before being authorized for TMS. This will confirm if they are eligible for this treatment approach. Those who are pregnant or have medical equipment inserted into their body (such as pacemakers or medicine pumps) are not suitable candidates.

Patients will also need to tell a professional therapist about their symptoms, which will help determine their candidacy for TMS. The health professional needs to know about current medications, including OTC items and herbal supplements, and any headaches, ailments, or previous injuries. While TMS is a low-risk therapy, the medical team should always have a complete overview of the patient's health. The sessions will begin after the patient has been approved for the treatment.

Each TMS session lasts around 40 minutes, though patients will need to set aside additional time to complete documentation before the first session. At the beginning of each session, the health team attaches an electromagnetic coil to the patient's head and adjusts the machine to their specifications.

When the session starts, the coil sends out painless electromagnetic pulses to the portions of the brain that affect mood (including depression). A tapping feeling and a clicking sound will be felt on the forehead. The magnetic dose is adjusted as required by the technician.

The specific mechanics underlying TMS are diverse and complicated. The therapy modifies brain activity and affects one's mood over time. These visits are typically arranged daily for four to six weeks, five times each week.

Research outlook

As reported by the Psychiatric Times, patients with treatment-resistant depression may benefit clinically from TMS. Numerous meta-analyses of randomized studies have shown that TMS is more effective than a placebo in treating individuals with acute severe depression who have not responded to at least one antidepressant drug.

TMS has also shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, persistent vegetative states, epilepsy, stroke-related impairment, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, and traumatic brain injuries, among other neurologic disorders. It has additionally been linked to improvements in anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Get treated for depression

For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, TMS is a new and innovative therapeutic option that holds great promise. It is a non-invasive technique performed on an outpatient basis and is typically safe and well-tolerated by patients. They will also have the freedom to get therapy at a time and place that works best for them.

TMS has a bright future due to research looking at its expanded benefits and its usage as long-term maintenance therapy. If you are considering TMS for yourself or a loved one, please reach out today for 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: TMS in New York, NY.