Who Is a Candidate for TMS Depression Treatment?

You might be an ideal candidate for TMS depression treatment if you have treatment-resistant depression. It is a non-invasive way to treat mental health disorders like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can be used in conjunction with medication or as a standalone treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is ideal for people with depression who have tried medication in the past but did not see any positive improvements, those who have severe reactions to antidepressants, and people who prefer a drug-free approach. Depression is unique for each patient, so psychiatrists typically create personalized treatment plans to address each patient's needs.

The ideal candidate for TMS depression treatment

Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. It is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once fun. The condition is typically diagnosed by performing a physical examination to rule out problems as the cause of the patient's symptoms, blood tests to ensure the symptoms are not caused by illness, and a thorough evaluation that involves giving patients questionnaires to fill out and an interview.

Antidepressants and talk therapy are usually the first treatment options recommended unless a patient does not want to take any medication. Antidepressants are effective for most patients, but about one-third do not see any noticeable reduction in their symptoms. Alternative treatments like the TMS treatment process are usually recommended at that point.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is performed by sending magnetic pulses into a patient's brain. The prefrontal cortex is targeted when treating depression since it regulates mood and emotions. The magnetic pulses convert into electrical charges inside the brain, helping to activate deactivated regions. It also makes neurons more vulnerable to reorganization, improving communication between neurons and helping to create new pathways in the brain.

A typical TMS session lasts anywhere between 20 to 60 minutes. The first appointment takes longer since the patient's motor threshold is determined at the start. This is a marker for how much magnetic energy the patient can safely take. It is determined by increasing the intensity of magnetic pulses sent to the patient's brain until it causes their hands to twitch.

TMS treatment usually involves getting up to five of these sessions every week for four to six weeks. Many patients report positive improvements within two weeks of starting TMS therapy. Most patients enjoy these benefits for up to a year, while others see a total remission of their symptoms.

The ideal candidate for TMS therapy:

• Does not have a history of seizures. About 0.01% of people who get TMS therapy get seizures as a side effect
• Is not pregnant and does not plan to get pregnant during their treatment
• Does not have metal components in their head like plates, screws, or shrapnel fragments
• Has treatment-resistant depression or prefers not to take medication
• Does not have any medical implants that can be affected by the treatment

Get past depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation might be what you need to put depression behind you. Call or visit our New York clinic to set up an appointment with our psychiatrist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.

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