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How does TMS therapy work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medication or feel that medication is causing unwanted side effects.
TMS Therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or used in conjunction with medication.
Palmier TMS utilizes TMS devices that are FDA-cleared and indicated for the
treatment of MDD.
These devices deliver magnetic pulses, stimulating specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
FIND OUT IF TMS IS RIGHT FOR YOUWhat Conditions Does TMS Therapy Treat?
TMS stands for 'transcranial magnetic stimulation.' TMS is an FDA-approved depression treatment that treats depression at its source. TMS uses a magnetic coil that stimulates the area of the brain affected by depression. Over a short period, TMS restores the functioning of under-active neurons so that you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Schedule free consultationDepression and the Benefits of TMS Therapy
Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses affecting more than 16 million adultsin the U.S. every year. By 2022, with the impact of COVID, depression, and anxiety will affect more than two out of every five adults. Medications are not the only answer and are certainly not effective for many individuals. In a nutshell, depression is a depletion of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that occur in an area of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (just above the left eyebrow). These neurotransmitters include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Serotonin is the most widely studied neurotransmitter in the case of depression.
Antidepressants often make a person feel worse. Antidepressant medications cause undesired systemic side effects, such as:
- Weight Gain
- Sexual Side Effects
- Insomnia and other sleeping problems
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness, light-headedness
- Headaches
- Appetite changes
- Anxiousness or nervousness
- Increased Irritability
- Tremors, shakiness
- GI-upset (diarrhea, constipation, nausea)
- Suicidal Thoughts
Palmier TMS is a safe, comfortable place where you are always heard.
Schedule free consultationMore about TMS Therapy and Depression
With long-term use of antidepressants, some side effects are permanent, such as flat affect, tremors, and lack of emotions. Many antidepressants can be difficult to taper off. There can be severe withdrawal symptoms. Headaches, irritability, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, sleeping problems, vivid dreams, tiredness, and other symptoms can make it very difficult to taper off the medication.
TMS therapy is considered a safe and more effective approach to treating depression. Unlike medications, TMS does not cause debilitating side effects, such as those referenced above. The only side effects of TMS are discomfort at the site of treatment or headache - both of which typically subside after the first few treatments if experienced. The Star*D Study proved the rate of efficacy of antidepressants in the use of depression was relatively low. Further, this study confirmed that the rate of efficacy (effectiveness) drops significantly with each new antidepressant medication trial. By the time a person is on their fourth medication trial, they have about a 6.9% chance that the medication will even be effective.
TMS offers about a 70% chance of greater than a 50% reduction in symptoms, with nearly 50% of the patients who achieve complete remission from their depression. The benefit of TMS is hope for long-term remission, with many patients sustaining remission for up to and even beyond a year.
TMS is typically covered by insurance for those who have tried one or more antidepressant medications and some form of evidenced-based psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Many patients elect TMS over medication trials as a much safer and more effective treatment option to overcome their depression. This option is especially beneficial for adolescents and teens, as well as those experiencing postpartum depression.
Depression is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health and leads to poor quality of life. Don't let your depression define you, control you, and rob you of your life. Seek treatment. You deserve a good quality of life, and your mental and physical health should be a priority. Be sure to seek help.