TMS Can Improve Depression Symptoms

For many patients with depression, TMS has become a viable form of treatment. Short for transcranial magnetic stimulation, this treatment does not use drugs. Instead, it is an alternative way for you to control and overcome the effects of this challenging mental health condition. If medication and traditional therapy have not been effective for you, talk to your psychiatrist. This different approach could be what you need to once again feel well.

An understanding of depression

Scientists and doctors are not fully sure what causes depression, but it is a common condition. People young and old can struggle with this illness. It comes in varying degrees. Some people may feel depressed for a short time, while others may always feel this way. For some individuals, depression is all-consuming and interrupts daily life. Other individuals can still function well in relationships and jobs.

Depression brings feelings of intense sadness and grief. A person may feel bleak, hopeless, or worthless. Often, these feelings follow a period of disappointment, trauma, or rejection. However, some depressed people cannot explain why they feel this way. TMS treatment could be the right strategy if the depression escalates and becomes severe.

An overview of TMS

Medication and psychotherapy can work well for some people. But these are not always successful methods for everyone. TMS helps to stimulate those areas of the brain that regulate a person’s mood. With depression, these areas often have low activity. This treatment aims to reset the brain and lessen the symptoms of the illness.

How it works

To conduct TMS, the psychiatrist will place a small electromagnetic coil on the person’s head. The coils send magnetic pulses to nerves in the brain, stimulating activity. These pulses are gentle and should not cause any pain or discomfort. There are no invasive components to the treatment.

Frequency and duration

The treatment typically lasts about half an hour. Some patients’ treatments may take a little less or a little longer. This is not a one-time treatment either. TMS will take place five days a week for four to six weeks. This exact treatment length will depend on the patient’s needs and the severity of their condition. The patient should direct any questions or concerns about the treatment to the psychiatrist.

Results

It is impossible to say precisely how every patient will react to TMS. However, some people report having mood improvements after two or three visits. Patients typically see a reduction in depression symptoms after the treatments end. Every patient is different and will have different treatment results. It is comforting to know that this is a drug-free technique to treat depression.