Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for Depression Treatment
According to The World Heath Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability world wide. In the United States, depression is the leading cause of disability among people ages 15 to 44. Clinical depression is a common mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of joy. It is not to be confused with the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience throughout their life. Depression is linked to nearly 40,000 suicides in the United States each year.
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For many people living with depression, feelings of hopelessness and despair dominate nearly every aspect of daily life. This can take a significant toll on interpersonal relationships, professional lives, and a person’s overall wellness.
Depression is not a passing problem. Major Depressive Disorder consists of episodes in which depression symptoms last for a minimum of 2 weeks. For some people, depression can last for years, but for many people, depression is a chronic illness that may go through phases of improvement and relapse.
There are many different approaches to treating depression, however some people find that these treatments still don’t fully improve their depression symptoms. The most common first-line approaches to depression treatment are:
Antidepressants Psychotherapy
Unfortunately, these treatments do not work for everyone. Around two-thirds of people with depression report that their first attempt at an antidepressant did not adequately relieve their depression symptoms. After a two month treatment plan, at least some symptoms will remain, and each subsequent medication tried is proven to be less likely to help than the one prior.
TMS Therapy for Depression Treatment
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-approved, noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.
When you are depressed, it’s as if the neuroreceptors that carry emption signals through your brain have been clogged, making it impossible for you to feel normal. This treatment for depression uses a series of magnetic pulses to stimulate the exact areas of your brain that have been effected by depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation can painlessly revitalize areas of the brain responsible for mood control while improving communication within the central nervous system.
TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective. Studies on TMS therapy to treat depression have shown results in lasting, positive effects on brain function in people who have otherwise experienced a form of treatment-resistant depression.
Why Choose TMS to Treat Depression?
TMS Therapy has very few risks and side effects associated with the procedure. While antidepressants can chemically alter your brain, TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate underactive nerve cells.
The side effects of TMS therapy are generally mild and improve with every session. The most common side effect of TMS Therapy is headaches, and there is some potential for scalp discomfort both during or after treatment. There is no reported evidence that suggests TMS therapy has any effect on a person’s long or short-term memory.
There is no post-treatment recovery time required for TMS therapy, and patients are able to return to their daily routines immediately following their treatment. Each patient’s treatment plan will vary based on frequency, intensity, and the range of stimulation needed.
We Can Help
If you have tried other depression treatment options without experiencing relief, TMS therapy may be right for you. Oasis TMS offers a safe and welcoming environment. Our first priority is always providing safe, non-medicated, and results-orientated relief from depression and other mood disorders.
At Oasis TMS, our team is here to discuss risk factors and any concerns you might have.
To ensure TMS Therapy is right for you, talk to your doctor and request an appointment with Oasis TMS today.