TMSFor Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been widely promoted as a major treatment option for persistent depression. While the available invasive depression treatment options, which necessitate the implantation of specific medical devices or direct stimulation of nerves or pathways in the brain, are safe, effective, and useful, they also carry some risk.

TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation in which devices operate completely outside of the body and influence central nervous system activity by applying powerful magnetic fields to specific areas of the brain associated with depression. TMS does not require anesthesia and is generally well tolerated when compared to other forms of depression and anxiety treatment.

TMS is generally done in a doctor's office. When the patient is fully awake and aware, the procedure is performed. It employs MRI-strength electromagnetic pulses. TMS sessions last about eighteen minutes and the pulses are similar to light tapping. The entire process essentially increases neural activity in your brain, resulting in long-term improvements in both your mood and wellbeing. Following your session, you are free to go about your daily activities without feeling any aftereffects.

Merits of TMS For Depression

TMS has a number of advantages that can be grouped into key themes such as mechanism, invasiveness, levels of discomfort, side effects, success rate, and duration and frequency, among others.

1. Mechanism

TMS uses low-intensity magnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells of the brain. This has been found to facilitate the growth and healing of the cells, which means that TMS leads to overall improved health and wellbeing for the person using it.

1. Invasiveness

TMS is a very simple procedure that does not require anesthesia or body pricking. This means that it can be easily performed at the doctor's office without the use of any additional equipment. Because there is no need for additional infrastructure, costs are reduced.

1. Level of Discomfort

TMS is a very gentle treatment. A patient may feel very little discomfort in the area where the magnet is working, but they can remain awake throughout the treatment.

1. Side Effects

The side effects of TMS treatment are not as severe as those associated with other depression and anxiety treatments. Headaches, scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation, tingling sensation, spasms or twitching of facial muscles, and lightheadedness are possible side effects of TMS treatment for anxiety and depression. The side effects are well tolerated and are only experienced by a small percentage of patients.

1. Success Rate

TMS has a high success rate of 82 percent in terms of observed significant improvements, and 63 percent complete remission for treating depression.

1. Duration and Frequency

Most patients who receive TMS treatment follow a six-week treatment plan that includes between twenty and thirty single sessions of the treatment. This means that the patients could have up to five sessions per week for six weeks. A single TMS session will last approximately twenty to thirty minutes.

1. Cost-effective

TMS is a less expensive alternative to antidepressants, with a full 9-week treatment course costing as little as $350.

Need More Information on the Merits of TMS Therapy Treatment for Depression

Whether you want to learn more about TMS treatment for anxiety, TMS therapy for anxiety, or TMS for depression, you can speak with a TMS therapist. You can also get more specific information about TMS and how it can help you or a loved one by searching the Internet for "psychiatrist Los Angeles," calling (562) 203-0567, or submitting your inquiry here.