TMS Therapy for Depression: How Does It Work?

 

Depression and anxiety disorders are rampant in our society due to many factors. More and more people are suffering from multiple disorders without any age restriction. From young school going children to adults of all age groups are suffering from some kind of depression or mental disorder. Some people get depressed but come over it sooner but some dwell deep into it, needing medical assistance. Depression and anxiety disorders are very much treatable with antidepressants and psychotherapy but in some cases the standard measures are futile.

If that’s what brought you here on this article then you have clicked the right page and I will fully enlighten you about an alternate therapy that has been the gold standard in treating depression and anxiety disorders. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation aka TMS is the best approach for treatment-resistant depression. Let’s explore this treatment in detail so that you can ultimately decide whether or not to take this route for treating depression or anxiety disorders, when every other treatment has failed you.  

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a nonsurgical way of rekindling or activating the brain through electromagnetic pulses. Specific regions of the brain are focused on and recurring magnetic energy pulses are directed on that region. These pulses trigger the nerve cells of that region and helps in improving symptoms of neurological, mental or mood disorders. These magnetic pulses are painless and when they pass through the skull, they stimulate the brain activity to improve the communication between different parts of the brain so that they can work better. TMS panic disorder therapy is also great at controlling the mood receptors of the brain.

TMS is really known for the treatment of those patients that have failed to respond to antidepressants or psychotherapy. People have been given TMS therapy for depression since 1985 to alleviate them from intense sadness, feelings of despair and acute misery. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally approved TMS anxiety disorder therapy and TMS therapy for depression as an effective way of treatment, in 2008. There is also some evidence that shows that TMS can also be helpful in treating Parkinson’s as well.

When TMS stimulations are given on regular intervals in order to trigger various regions of the brain then it is known as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation aka rTMS. Both TMS and rTMS are interchangeable terms, meaning the same. There is no exact theory as to how the TMS works but the stimulations have a long-lasting impact on the brain functions, which helps the suffering of the patients, soothes the symptoms and boosts the mood. Some people might get overwhelmed by the thought of magnetic pulses going in the brain and might even compare it to electric shocks but that’s not true at all. These magnetic pulses are different than the ones found in MRI machines. TMS therapy for depression or TMS anxiety disorder therapy doesn’t require any sedation, anaesthesia or recovery time. It has almost no side effects, in fact way less than antidepressants.

What is TMS or rTMS Used For?

In the USA, TMS therapy is only approved for severe depression or anxiety disorder when other standard treatments have been fruitless. Psychotherapy, medication or self-help efforts have all gone in vain. Then TMS is a good and approved way to go about and you must broach the idea to your doctor. Sometimes doctors may merge together both medication and TMS, in order to get better results. People who are having severe side effects due to the antidepressants medication or aren’t benefiting from them at all can take TMS route. Some patient’s health doesn’t allow them to take electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) due to a history of seizure or intolerance towards anaesthesia can also opt for TMS. For having the best results for TMS one must be completely off from any addictive substance like drugs or alcohol.

In European countries, TMS has been working on various other conditions like, anxiety disorder named OCD, PTSD. Other conditions like Schizophrenia, Parkinsons, Alzheimer, Nicotine addiction, Stroke rehabilitation, chronic pain or Multiple Sclerosis. TMS has also proven its effectiveness in some off-the-road diseases like Tourette syndrome, fibromyalgia, autism or tinnitus as well.

How Does TMS Work and How to Prepare Yourself?

The TMS therapy can be done only by a TMS technician or physician. This process doesn’t not require the patient to stay overnight so it can be done in a clinic as well. It takes around 30-60 minutes in total. Before the commencing of the procedure, you will have to remove any kind of item that may attract magnets like jewellery, watch or mobiles. You’ll be instructed to sit on a reclined chair and an electromagnetic coil will be placed near your head, if it's your first session the doctor might take the measurement of your head first.

The coil will initiate magnetic pulses in the brain which is not at all painful but you may hear tapping or knocking sounds in your head. For minimizing those sounds the technician may give you ear plugs. The coil will be placed over your head but the magnetic rays will be directed to the area which controls the moods. Some doctors may adjust the coil various times to stimulate different areas of the brain. The treatment may last for 4-6 weeks having the session 5 days a week. This can be increased or decreased according to the response of the patient.

The patient might have some possible side effects from the procedure like mild discomfort, muscles of the face to tingle, lightheadedness, temporary hearing problem due to long banging noises, moderate headache or tightening of the jaws, scalp or face. There are several types of TMS devices which the doctor will know what is best for your stage. The devices are surface TMS, Deep TMS and Rapid Theta Burst TMS.

Takeaway   

TMS is a great alternative therapy when traditional medication doesn’t work. The stimulation of the brain cells may relieve the patient from depressive symptoms and also help combating anxiety disorders.