TMS THERAPY

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an evidence-based, noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to help stimulate nerve cells within the brain. This is found to help improve symptoms that are related to depression and is used when other methods just aren’t helping. Depending on specific needs, TMS can also be combined with talk therapy and medication.

While the exact causes of depression are unknown, studies show that people with depression have different brain chemistry and activity than those without depression. Your brain creates neurotransmitters that carry information through your brain. With depression, your neurotransmitters are depleted, which disrupts that communication.

TMS involves sending magnetic pulses to stimulate the neurons (brain cells) in brain parts associated with regulating mood. During the sessions, an electromagnetic coil will be placed on your head to send magnetic impulses that, over time, will reduce symptoms of depression.

TMS therapy is effective because it stimulates cells that may not be active during major depressive disorder.

How does TMS work?

TMS works by using a magnetic field to stimulate targeted brain areas. Treatment for depression focuses on increasing the number of neurotransmitters. Neurons — the brain cells that create neurotransmitters — are electrochemical cells. TMS treatment stimulates your neurons to produce more neurotransmitters with electromagnetic pulses instead of chemically with antidepressant medications. The magnetic pulses modulate the activity of neurons in the targeted area, helping to improve your mood and ease the symptoms of depression.

The team at Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group uses NeuroStar® equipment to deliver TMS treatment. The device includes an integrated treatment coil to send targeted stimulation to specific mood centers in your brain. As your neural pathways become more active, the increased communication triggers other mood centers deeper within your brain, starting a chain reaction of improved neural activity.

During treatment sessions, you will be awake and alert. Your Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group provider will place a specialized magnet near your head and send magnetic pulses to specific brain areas. Patients will usually receive treatment five times a week for four to six weeks.

What happens during a TMS session?

During your TMS sessions, you relax in a comfortable treatment chair. Your doctor places the NeuroStar device against your scalp on the front left side of your head. At your first treatment, your doctor gradually increases the electromagnetic pulse until it reaches your motor threshold. Each patient has a different motor threshold, allowing the doctor to customize treatment for your needs.

Then, during your 18-40-minute session, the NeuroStar device releases pulses of electromagnetic waves at varying intervals. You feel a tapping sensation during the treatment. Once your session is complete, you can return to your normal daily activities. For optimal effectiveness, it’s recommended to have daily treatment five days a week for four to six weeks.

TMS treatments are noninvasive and painless. You don’t need any anesthesia and are awake during your sessions. Some patients report having a slight headache briefly after their initial treatment; however, the headaches dissipate throughout treatment and are preferable to many of the more severe side effects that some may experience with antidepressant medications.

If you’re living with depression and want to know if TMS is right, call or schedule a consultation online today. At the forefront of scientific breakthroughs for MDD and OCD, BrainsWay Deep TMS is the only 20-minute TMS treatment protocol. An independent study published in 2019 by the Journal of Psychiatric Research determined that Deep TMS plus medication was more effective at reducing depression levels among MDD patients than standard rTMS plus medication or medication alone. BrainsWay Deep TMS is FDA-approved for MDD, OCD, and smoking cessation.

 Learn about NeuroStar by clicking here.

At Advanced Medical & Psychiatry Group, our experienced psychiatrists can diagnose and provide you with effective treatment for symptoms of Major Depression with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Contact us today.

Side effects of TMS

TMS is generally well-tolerated, and most patients experience minimal side effects. The most common side effects include scalp discomfort and headache, which usually resolve after treatment. More severe side effects, such as seizures, are infrequent. Patients can typically return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment session.

Is TMS safe?

Yes, TMS is FDA-approved for treating depression and is safe and effective in clinical trials. Patients generally do not experience any long-term side effects from TMS. As a non-invasive procedure, TMS does not require anesthesia or other medications.

TMS is a safe and effective treatment option for those suffering from depression, including treatment-resistant depression. Suppose you have not been able to find relief from your symptoms with other forms of treatment, such as antidepressant medications or cognitive behavioral therapy. In that case, TMS may be the right choice for you.

While most well-known for treating depression, TMS is FDA-approved for the following mental health conditions:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD), including treatment-resistant depression and anxiety symptoms associated with depression.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Smoking cessation

Studies have suggested that TMS may also be beneficial for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other conditions, although these remain active areas of research.

Does Insurance Cover TMS?

Most major insurance carriers cover TMS, although the requirements vary from plan to plan. You may need a documented diagnosis of an approved condition, such as major depressive disorder. Your insurance provider may require that you have tried other treatments, such as antidepressant medications and therapy, without resolution of your symptoms.

To determine if your insurance policy covers TMS, contact your insurer directly or speak with a qualified Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group provider.

Am I a Good Candidate for TMS?

1. Be a patient looking to treat a major depressive disorder.

2. A thorough medical evaluation is essential to determining a person’s suitability for TMS. TMS is generally more effective in treating moderate-to-severe cases of depression.

3. A patient must have tried and failed more than one form of antidepressant medication.

4. Candidates should understand that TMS may not be a cure-all solution and that improvement may take time.

5. Evaluate the patient’s ability to tolerate the treatment and understand potential side effects or risks. It’s essential to inform the potential candidate about common side effects, such as headaches or discomfort at the treatment site.

No two people experience major depressive disorder in the same way. Often, treatments that work for one person won’t work for another. The Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group team offers various treatment options, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is an evidence-based, noninvasive, drug-free treatment for depression. Call or schedule an online consultation to determine if TMS can help your depression.

If you have a major depressive disorder and have been experiencing symptoms for a year or longer, you may benefit from TMS. TMS is often used when other treatments like medications and electroconvulsive therapy are ineffective or if the associated side effects have been intolerable.

Find help for persistent depression with TMS.

TMS can be a highly effective, life-changing treatment for those suffering from depression, especially when other treatments have not been successful. At Advanced Medical Psychiatry Group, we are committed to providing you with personalized care in a safe and supportive environment. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you find relief from your symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. Speak with your provider to determine if TMS is the right option.