Steps of Psychiatric Evaluation for TMS

Psychiatric evaluation for TMS is performed to assess if it is the optimal way to address a patient’s mood disorders. The Food and Drug Administration approves transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can also treat other mental health issues like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

TMS therapy is a painless procedure, so there is no need for sedatives or anesthetics. Patients do not feel much after each treatment session besides a tapping sensation caused by magnetic waves penetrating their skull. Patients are typically free to drive and return to their regular activities after each treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation typically involves getting up to five treatment sessions each week for six weeks. Many patients report a noticeable reduction in their symptoms as early as two weeks.

TMS therapy is usually not recommended for people with a history of seizures, people with metal plates or screws in their heads, those who are pregnant, and people with medical implants that can be affected by magnetic waves.

How psychiatrists perform a psychiatric evaluation for TMS

Let us take a look at the different steps psychiatrists take when assessing patients for transcranial magnetic stimulation:

1. Initial screen

This is typically performed by a psychiatrist or some equally qualified health care provider. It includes the psychiatrist interviewing the patient over the phone or in person to get a sense of their mental status and discuss their symptoms. The patient will be asked a series of questions that go over their psychiatric and medical history. This includes going over how the patient has responded to any prior treatments.

2. Information gathering

The psychiatrist might contact other medical practices that have worked with the patient in the past to gather more information about their condition. The patient might be asked to fill out a consent form that authorizes the psychiatrist to access their medical and psychiatric records.

The patient is given questionnaires that go over the symptoms of their mental health disorder. They are typically asked to rank the frequency of their symptoms. The type of questionnaire a patient has to fill out varies based on factors like their symptoms and age. Going over all this information allows the psychiatrist to assess how effective transcranial magnetic stimulation can be for them.

3. First TMS consultation

During this appointment, the psychiatrist will educate the patient on how TMS works and answer any questions they have. They will go over topics like how long it will take for the patient to experience positive results and potential side effects.

People who get transcranial magnetic stimulation usually report a reduction in their symptoms as early as two weeks into their treatment. The most common side effects of the procedure are headaches, dizziness, and scalp irritation.

4. Brain scan

The psychiatrist will use magnetic resonance imaging to create a map of the patient’s brain before starting treatments. This allows them to identify the best parts of the brain to target with the treatment by mapping areas with low or hyperactivity.

We can improve your mental health

Dealing with a mental health disorder? Our psychiatrist can help. Call or drop by our location in New York 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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