TMS or transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-intrusive method of treating depression symptoms. It uses magnetic fields to target the brain’s neurons. Many psychiatrists resort to TMS in treating clients with treatment-resistant depression. The effectiveness of TMS in treating depression motivates psychiatrists to use it in helping patients with mood disorders. If you want to know how this procedure helps patients with mood disorders, here is some inside information.
A mood disorder is a psychiatric condition that includes every type of bipolar disorder or depression. Adults, children, and teens can develop mood disorders. There are several types of mood disorder. In substance-induced mood disorder, the patient’s depression results from the exposure to various substances like toxins or medications. Certain medical conditions also induce depression symptoms.
Another type of mood disorder is major depression. Here, the patient has feelings of hopelessness and other symptoms for at least two weeks. There is also bipolar disorder involving alternating periods of mania and depression. Then, there is dysthymia. This type of mood disorder is chronic and persists for at least two years. Standard treatments for mood disorders are self-care, psychotherapy, and antidepressants.
Many factors cause these disorders. Trauma, brain function, and family history can bring up specific types of mood disorders. Physical illness and the use of medications can also bring about any of these conditions. The doctor will talk to the patient about lifestyle, relationships, and medical conditions. This can help determine which caused the mood disorder.
The doctor may need to conduct a thorough interview and physical examination. A blood test may also take place. This will rule out symptoms of possible underlying illnesses. The doctor will ask the patient about significant behavior, sleeping habits, and diet.
TMS can help patients with mood disorders. Even so, there are certain considerations. Some psychiatrists think about the stimulation that the treatment can give patients. The energy might trigger mania in the patient. While it is possible for TMS to induce mania, studies show that the risk is like the mania that antidepressants might cause. Psychiatrists must watch over the parameters well so that TMS can be effective.
Depression is treatable. Yet, some people do not respond to standard depression treatments. With TMS, patients can receive a non-invasive alternative solution. This approach does not use electrode implants, sedation, or surgery. It does not cause seizures, as well.
The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that handles mood and motivation. TMS works by exciting the prefrontal cortex with electromagnetic pulses. This resets the pathways and patterns of the brain. For mood disorders, it usually takes a total of 30 sessions over three to six weeks. Every treatment is 30 minutes long. There are cases when patients can have at least one session per day.
TMS treatments for mood disorders are a bit different. During each session, the psychiatrist will observe the patient’s parameters. A few of these parameters are mood, sleep, energy levels, and motivation. The psychiatrist can adjust the intensity of the stimulation according to the tolerance level of the patient. They will adjust their protocols to make the treatment fit for each patient.
Using TMS to treat mood disorders is healthier. The patient will not suffer from any memory loss. There have been no studies showing the impact of this treatment on memory. The treatment is not invasive at all. It does not need anesthesia.
The patient can stay awake during the treatment session. Many patients can tolerate the procedure without any issues. A session is an outpatient procedure. This means that the patient can go back to normal daily activities after every treatment. This FDA-approved treatment has been helping patients with mood disorders since 2008.
Some patients finish each session without side effects. Others experience mild to moderate ones. These side effects improve over time after more treatment sessions. Tingling sensations, scalp discomfort, and headaches are common. Spasms of the facial muscles and lightheadedness can also occur. These side effects tend to fade after the session.
Although TMS is non-invasive, it needs more monitoring and adjustments for patients with mood disorders. Patients with this condition tend to shift from depression to mania. Psychiatrists need to be more vigilant about the tolerance level of patients, as well. This makes each session tailor-fit for each patient. Discussing your tolerance level for TMS usually results in stress-free sessions.
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