Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a therapeutic intervention to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. According to data from the CDC, 18.4% of U.S. adults reported having been diagnosed with depression at some time during their lifetime in 2020. That number rose dramatically in 2023 when Gallup reported that 29% of U.S. adults were diagnosed with depression at some time during their lifetime.
The symptoms of depression can be overwhelming and debilitating. They often interfere with your daily life. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness but also angry outbursts, irritability, loss of interest, and alterations in sleep and eating patterns. Whether TMS therapy is right for you may depend on the treatments you have already received for depression.
The first-line treatment for depression is typically antidepressant medications. Yet, these drugs do not work for everyone, and when they do not, it Is called treatment-resistant depression.
Many times, you might be prescribed psychotherapy (talk therapy) alongside medication to help identify potential causes for your depression and work through coping strategies. These strategies can include behavioral and lifestyle changes that have demonstrated a positive influence over symptoms of depression, such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
For those who have severe depression, your healthcare professional may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also called shock therapy. While this can be effective, those undergoing ECT typically have seizures during the treatment and memory loss and confusion afterward.
If you have treatment-resistant depression, there is hope. In clinical trials, TMS therapy has been effective in reducing symptoms of depression and has a low side effect profile. In addition to treating depression, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of depression-related anxiety and as an adjunct therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
TMS therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms for people who have treatment-resistant depression and are seeking alternative options because of the side effects related to medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, while the side effect profile is low and the treatment is effective, it is not recommended for everyone.
There are contraindications to receiving TMS therapy related to the electromagnetic impulses used. The treatment directly addresses the source of mood disorders within the brain by targeting an area of the brain with electromagnetic pulses to increase neural activity.
People who have a history of seizure disorders, head injury, or other neurological conditions are not suitable candidates, as the electromagnetic pulses may trigger a seizure. People who have metal implants, such as cochlear implants, bullet fragments, pacemakers, or tattoos using ferromagnetic ink, are also not suitable candidates since the treatment uses a magnetic pulse.
Before treatment, your medical professional will do a thorough physical examination and take a medical history to determine if you have any contraindications to receiving therapy. During each session, you sit in a comfortable chair much like the one you would find in your dentist’s office.
The padded NeuroStar TMS therapy coil is placed against your head, targeting a specific area of the brain and using a prescribed intensity of treatment. Each session takes approximately 20 minutes, and a full treatment requires one session five days each week for seven weeks. No anesthesia or sedation is used during the treatment. This means you can return to your daily activities directly afterward.
Some people report side effects that typically resolve spontaneously and are often not present during the second week of therapy. These side effects can include hearing a tapping or experiencing a slight warming over the area of the coil. Some people may have a headache, tooth pain, or skin pain.
Clinical data has shown that 83% of those who complete their NeuroStar treatment cycle report experiencing measurable results. This means they experience fewer symptoms of depression. While this is impressive, 62% of those also reported experiencing complete remission. This means that if they were evaluated by a physician for depression after completing their NeuroStar treatment, they would not have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
We believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience good mental health. We encourage you to call our office today to find out if TMS therapy is right for you.
Call (310) 246-9110