If you’re interested in innovative treatment options for mental health, you might be wondering, how effective is transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS? TMS is both a non-invasive and non-pharmacological therapeutic technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Here’s everything you need to know about TMS and how effective it can be for mental health treatment, including treatment-resistant depression.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The treatment involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the scalp, which delivers targeted pulses of magnetic energy to particular regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation and behavior.
How Does TMS Work?
TMS works by targeting specific areas of the brain with magnetic pulses, which can help regulate neural activity in these regions. This technique has been shown to increase or decrease activity in certain parts of the brain, depending on the frequency and intensity of the magnetic pulses used.
By modulating brain activity, TMS can potentially alleviate symptoms associated with mental health disorders. During TMS, people can expect the following:
- The TMS specialist will place an electromagnetic coil on the scalp in a targeted area, depending on the individual’s specific needs.
- The specialist will then deliver repetitive magnetic pulses to the targeted areas of the brain, typically for about 20 minutes per session.
- Most people undergo daily sessions for several weeks, with each session lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
How Effective is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Depression?
Studies have shown that people experience reduced depression symptoms after undergoing TMS treatment. It’s important to note that, while TMS can be effective for depression, it typically isn’t used until other methods have been exhausted. In treatment-resistant depression, traditional methods of therapy and antidepressant medications have failed to bring relief.
That’s why TMS can be such a big relief for people with treatment-resistant depression. Studies show that people who engage in TMS for depression feel relief after the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth week of treatment. These results often stay for up to a year after treatment.
The nature of depression is that it is chronic, which is why TMS should be considered a long-term treatment. TMS can offer relief from symptoms without the need for constant medication adjustments that are typically associated with traditional depression treatments. Most people can still engage in TMS and explore other options for treating their depression.
Effectiveness in OCD
The FDA has also approved TMS for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but studies are still ongoing to determine its effectiveness. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing OCD symptoms, especially when coupled with traditional therapy methods. The FDA reports that 38% of people using TMS, compared to 11% not using TMS, had reduced compulsive symptoms.
OCD, like depression, can be chronic and difficult to treat without professional help. TMS offers a new option for those struggling with this disorder and may provide long-term relief from symptoms.
Potential Side-Effects of TMS
Fortunately, TMS has little to no side-effects for people. Perhaps the most common side-effect is scalp discomfort, which can be managed by adjusting the equipment used or taking breaks during treatment. Other potential side-effects include:
- Headache
- Tingling sensation in face, jaw, or neck
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle twitching
These side-effects are usually minor and temporary, and do not outweigh the potential benefits of TMS for depression and OCD. They can also vary from person to person. During your first TMS treatment visit, your provider or specialist will examine you for adverse effects and make sure you are safe to continue TMS treatment.
Explore Innovative Mental Health Treatment Options
TMS is just one of many innovative mental health treatment options. With so many emerging studies, therapies, and technologies, there is hope for those struggling with depression, OCD, and other mental health disorders.
At Pacific Mind Health, our mental health treatment center in Long Beach, CA, is excited to bring you the latest advancements in neurostimulation therapies, such as TMS, and other treatment options like ketamine, psychotherapy, EMDR, and more. We believe that as science advances, so should our treatment options for mental health disorders. Contact us today to learn more about the innovative treatments we offer and how we can help you find relief from your symptoms.
