Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS) refers to a type of non-invasive treatment that can be used for depression. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain and is typically administered by a trained healthcare provider in a clinical setting. A TMS therapy program is often used as an alternative to medication or as a supplement to medication for individuals who have not responded well to other forms of treatment. TMS therapy has also been proven to help in the treatment of patients with addiction by calming brain activity in relation to triggers of drug and alcohol use. Call BoardPrep Recovery Center® today at 866.796.4720 to learn more.
TMS Therapy for Depression
Some people with certain depressive disorders have what’s called treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means that other therapies and medications have not worked to help improve the patient’s well-being, and their providers need to turn to a different form of treatment. This can happen for a number of reasons, so it’s important to know that there are other options. TMS therapy is one way that patients with TRD can find healing.
During a TMS therapy session, a small, coil-shaped device is placed against the patient’s scalp near the forehead. This device produces a magnetic field that passes through the skull and stimulates the brain tissue underneath. The magnetic field is not strong enough to cause any discomfort or pain. Still, it is powerful enough to cause electrical currents to be generated in the brain, which can alter brain activity.
TMS is a gentle and direct way of treating the symptoms of some depressive disorders. While TMS therapy is not for everyone, it can be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of these debilitating illnesses.
Is TMS Therapy Effective?
TMS therapy is thought to be effective for depression because it targets the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that is believed to play a role in regulating mood. By stimulating this area of the brain, TMS therapy may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. In recent years, TMS therapy has been shown to help improve the lives of patients and even send their depression into remission in some cases.
TMS therapy can look different for everyone but is typically administered for a period of four to six weeks. Each session can last about 20-40 minutes, and patients are awake and alert during the treatment. After the initial treatment course, some patients may continue to receive maintenance TMS therapy to prevent symptoms from recurring. Some benefits of using TMS therapy include the following:
- No life-changing side effects
- Non-addictive
- No memory problems
- High likelihood of a positive response
- Doesn’t require an extensive time commitment
TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment that has been proven to help patients achieve a better quality of life. It is a relatively new treatment for depression, but it is an excellent option to offer to patients who cannot take certain medications because of side effects or for other reasons.
BoardPrep Recovery Provides Effective Counseling for Depression
With many treatment options for substance use and mental health disorders, including inpatient, outpatient, detox, and behavioral therapies, BoardPrep is dedicated to finding the right solutions to every patient’s differing needs. We are proud to provide TMS therapy for people whose lives are negatively affected by their depression and who are not, for whatever reason, finding themselves improving from more traditional treatments. We welcome all patients and will work to provide the best care possible to those who seek it. If you or a loved one is searching for counseling for depression, contact us today at 866.796.4720 to learn more or use our convenient online form.
