TMS Therapy For Depression Has Proven Remarkable Results 
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, was introduced in 1985 as a way to treat many different psychiatric disorders and was FDA approved for the treatment of depression in 2008. One of the most common disorders that it is used to treat is major depression. The clinician administering the treatment is able to stimulate specific areas of the brain painlessly. It is a non-invasive form of treatment that has proven to be successful for most!
During a TMS treatment session, the clinician places a magnetic coil over the patient’s head and ensures that the machine is calibrated perfectly for that particular patient. The magnetic fields are directed to the area of the brain thought to be the root cause of depression. No anesthesia or sedation is needed, and the patient remains alert during the course of treatment.
TMS Therapy is:
- Covered by most insurance plans
- Drug-free
- Non-invasive
Almost seven percent of the world’s population suffers from depression. There is various treatment available, but even with them, up to thirty percent of those that take part in these treatments don’t find relief from their symptoms. Normally, doctors prescribe traditional therapy sessions and antidepressants for depressed patients; they may also prescribe a regimen for a more active lifestyle.
While most patients will achieve relief from their symptoms and can function, they don’t have a better quality of life. They are medicated, but not in full remission from their condition.
If these methods don’t work for the patient, the patient may seem helpless and stop seeking treatment in fear of another failed experience. Or, they may look into TMS therapy on their own. Those that do will have a better chance of reaching the complete remission that they are longing for.
Jumping straight to TMS Therapy for depression and skipping that traditional route all together may be ideal for some patients. TMS therapy is a great option for those that feel the traditional method may not be a good fit for them, and shouldn’t only be considered when everything else fails.
TMS can be used to treat major depression with a high rate of success. Immediately after treatment, the patient can go about their day-to-day activities. Some patients prefer this method of treatment from the beginning, as there are no systemic side effects as there typically are with antidepressants. TMS therapy for depression can have a positive impact on the patient, and suffering can be reduced.
TMS therapy for depression has been studied multiple times, and now has a special curriculum that is based on evidence for remission and relapse prevention. With over a million treatments administered worldwide, it certainly seems to be an effective form for treatment for depression.
Additionally, the patient won’t have any negative side effects of medication! IT is FDA approved, and a session can last as little as 19 minutes before the patient is back on their feet and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
In addition to TMS therapy for depression, there is ongoing research on the use of TMS to treat PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health conditions.
TMS therapy can be effective on its own or combined with counseling for patients who do not want to use antidepressants or have not found medications to be helpful combined with medication management and counseling.
Our caring staff at Riverview Mental Health Center is highly skilled in administering TMS Therapy, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have prior to beginning this treatment. Call us today at our Stuart or Port Saint Lucie location to schedule a consultation and find out if TMS therapy for depression may be the right treatment for you.
