You may have heard about transcranial magnetic stimulation, or tms treatment for depression, in the news recently – it’s the latest trend in treating depression that doesn’t involve medication or more invasive surgical procedures. But does it work? And are there any risks associated with undergoing this type of treatment? Here are all the details you need to know about tms therapy and its effectiveness in treating depression. Read on to learn more about tms therapy and whether it’s the right choice for you if you suffer from depression . . .
What Is Tms Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to create electric currents deep inside the brain. This type of therapy is sometimes used to treat depression and other mental illnesses. Magnetic therapy for depression works by targeting areas of the brain where certain neurotransmitters are known to be low or inactive, namely serotonin. Tms stimulates these specific areas, causing them to produce more neurotransmitters which can have an effect on mood, memory and cognition.
How Does Tms Therapy Work?
Tms is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells, or neurons. The theory behind tms therapy is that this stimulation can be used to alter the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are often associated with depression. Neuroscientists believe these two chemicals play an important role in regulating moods, sleep patterns, and other functions. Magnetic treatment for depression is believed to work by stimulating certain parts of the brain where there may be underactivity due to understimulation or too much activity.
What Are The Benefits Of Tms Therapy?
Tms treatment for depression is an effective treatment. Tms therapy has been shown to be successful in treating major depressive disorder (mdd), dysthymia, and other forms of major depressive disorders.
The benefits of tms therapy include:
- Reducing symptoms of depression
- Increasing the chances of remission from a depressive episode
- Decreasing the risk of recurrence
- Minimising medication side effects and relapse rates
- Enabling people with mental illness to function better at home or at work
- Improving quality-of-life
How Much Does Tms Therapy Cost?
Typically, tms therapy is covered by health insurance. The cost of a course of treatment varies from one provider to another and may depend on the type of depression you have or the severity. You can pay for it out-of-pocket or you can enrol in an insurance plan that includes tms therapy as part of your benefits package.
Consult a Psychotherapist
Consult a psychotherapist to see if tms therapy is the right fit for you. If they feel it is, they will work with you to devise a plan that works best for your needs and schedule. You will have a consultation with them and then get an appointment for the treatment. Depending on how many sessions are needed, you may go back more than once per week for treatment. The appointments last about 30 minutes each, so be prepared to make time to get them done in your daily life.