If you're one of the 16.1 million American adults suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), you may have heard of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. But what is it? How does it work? Does it work? And is it right for you?
Hopefully, this article will help answer some of the questions you might have. If you're interested in TMS therapy or if you believe you suffer from undiagnosed depression, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
What does TMS treat?
TMS therapy is used to treat MDD. Contrary to what some believe, clinical depression is not merely a case of feeling "down in the dumps." Rather, it is a legitimate biology-based medical condition caused by malfunctioning nerve cells in the brain. Depression is not simply the result of negative life experiences, but of imbalances in the body's hormones. It can even be inherited genetically.
Symptoms of MDD include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, anxiety or restlessness, irritability, trouble concentrating, fatigue, disturbances in sleep patterns, and suicidal ideation. Fortunately, while there is no cure for clinical depression, there are various kinds of treatment, the most common being a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Another option for the treatment of MDD is TMS therapy.
How does TMS work?
TMS therapy is an FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for depression wherein an electromagnetic coil is placed close to a patient's scalp. Painlessly, the coil delivers a magnetic pulse into the region of the patient's brain that regulates mood and emotion. It does this by creating small electric currents that stimulate nerve cells, reactivating those regions of the brain rendered inactive by MDD.
Typically reserved for patients who have found other depression treatments ineffective, TMS therapy is administered by a trained professional over a period of multiple sessions, with each one usually taking about an hour. TMS has also been found to be potentially helpful for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and other neurological conditions.
Is TMS right for you?
As mentioned above, TMS is recommended only for those patients who have found medication and psychotherapy inadequate in dealing with their depression. Even if you are such an individual, there are multiple pros and cons of TMS therapy that you should take into consideration before deciding whether to begin treatment.
On the pro side, TMS benefits from being non-invasive, having high success rates, and achieving long-term results. On the con side, however, TMS requires repeated sessions that may not be covered by your health insurance. Common side effects of TMS therapy are generally limited to lightheadedness, minor headaches, and scalp discomfort, although uncommon side effects have included seizures and periods of manic behavior.
Furthermore, TMS therapy may not be suitable for individuals with metallic materials in or near their brains, such as stents, aneurysm clips, or cochlear hearing implants. For the best advice about whether or not TMS is right for you, consult your doctor.
