Major depressive disorder is typically treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Some people with depression do not find adequate relief with these measures.
When symptoms persist even with standard treatment, this is called treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
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Up to 70% of people with treatment-resistant depression who receive rTMS have an improvement in their condition.
ECT uses electrical current to stimulate a brief seizure.
TMS uses a magnetic field and does not involve inducing a seizure.
TMS for Depression: Does It Work?
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
MDD is typicallytreated with medicationand/or psychotherapy.
MDD that does not sufficiently respond to these treatments is classified as treatment-resistant depression.
Each medication tried after is less likely than the one before to be sufficiently effective.
An alternative (or sometimes complementary) treatment for TRD is therapeuticneuromodulation.
This approach recognizes the brain as anelectrochemicalorgan and uses devices to alter electrical activity in the central nervous system.
It is considered the most effectivetreatmentfor TRD and is used regularly throughout the United States.
TMS has several advantages, including the following:
How Effective Is TMS?
This response is not permanent but can last months to over a year.
Further TMS treatments may be initiated ifsymptomsreturn.
What Else Can TMS Treat?
No medication oranesthesiais needed.
The dTMS machine is contained in a helmet placed on the head.
It has coils in a letter “H” pattern and transmits deeper into the brain.
The procedure is noninvasive.
The magnetic field is generated on the surface of the scalp.
The magnetic field is similar in strength to what is used inmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The healthcare provider will give a few test pulses, adjusting the machine until the right level is reached.
This level can be adjusted during the session if necessary.
The length of the session varies, with treatment lasting from five minutes to an hour.
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What Does TMS Treatment Feel Like?
TMS treatment feels like a series of pricks or pulses.
It has been described as feeling like a woodpecker tapping on your head.
Some people may feel discomfort ormuscle twitchesearly on, but this can diminish with more treatments.
Levels can be adjusted if they are too strong.
Positive results typically become noticeable between the third and sixth weeks of treatment.
The FDA has recently cleared a rapid-acting form of TMS for thetreatment of TRD.
Multiple sessions are delivered in a single day, with short breaks taken between sessions.
Maintenance TMS sessions may also be suggested.
Should Anyone Not Do TMS Therapy for Depression?
TMS tends to be well-tolerated.
TMS is not appropriate for everyone.
The TMS prescriber and TMS gear operator should be knowledgeable, trained, and credentialed in TMS.
Summary
TMS is a noninvasive treatment thatstimulates the brainusing targeted, powerful magnetic fields.
It is considered to be safe and effective for treatment-resistant depression.
TMS is usually well-tolerated, with minor, temporary side effects such as discomfort orheadache.
Seizure is considered a risk with TMS, but is rare.
Having risk factors for seizure may mean TMS is not an appropriate treatment for you.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks vs. benefits of TMS.
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