Self Assessment for TMS Depression Treatment

Depression treatment is usually recommended for people with treatment-resistant depression and those who would rather not take medication. It also serves as an alternative for people who have severe side effects from taking antidepressants.

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, and it affects over 16 million people each year. The condition is characterized by a low mood that does not go away and a loss of interest in everyday activities. In severe cases, depression leads to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Figuring out if TMS depression treatment is right for you

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that involves sending magnetic waves into a patient’s brain. The prefrontal cortex is typically the area targeted since it controls emotional regulation. Sending magnetic waves into a person’s brain helps to increase activity in areas with reduced activity. This alleviates the symptoms of depression.

A TMS depression treatment session lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. Treatment often involves getting up to five of these treatments each week for as long as six weeks. The treatment has proven to be effective on most people, and patients often report a significant reduction in their symptoms in as few as two weeks after starting treatment. The effects of TMS therapy can last more than a year after completing treatments.

The magnetic waves used for the treatment are generated by placing a magnetic coil on the patient’s head. The process does not cause any pain, so sedatives or anesthetics are unnecessary. All the patient feels during the procedure is a tapping sensation on their forehead caused by magnetic waves penetrating their skull.

Side effects are rare with TMS therapy. The most common ones are headaches, scalp irritation, and dizziness. Some patients might experience seizures after getting TMS depression treatment in rare cases.

Wondering if TMS therapy is right for you? Here are some of the things you should go over:

• The ideal candidate for TMS therapy has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
• The ideal candidate has taken antidepressants for more than six weeks with no significant results, cannot handle the side effects that come with antidepressants, or prefers not to take any medication as part of their treatment
• The ideal patient does not have metal components like metal screws or plates in their head. Also, the person should not have any health devices inside their body that can be disrupted by the magnetic waves used for the treatments. Metal braces or fillings do not count
• The ideal candidate for TMS therapy does not have a history of seizures. TMS therapy can trigger seizures in people with a history of them
• The patient should not have any substance abuse problems
• The ideal patient should not be pregnant
• TMS therapy is typically not recommended for patients who have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide in the past

Get relief from depression

Our psychiatrist provides transcranial magnetic stimulation for people with depression. Call or stop 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.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Depression Treatment in New York, NY.