4 Benefits of TMS Treatments for Depression

According to the anxiety & depression association of America, depression is the leading cause of disability in people under 44. In any given year, 16.1 million adult Americans experience depression. 

After all, the three foundations of treating depression are talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, but there are other approaches. Another method for treating depression is a transcranial magnetic stimulation device (TMS). This blog will tell you the benefits of TMS treatments for your depression.

How does TMS work in Treating Depression?

A pulsed magnetic field is used in TMS therapy, a non-invasive treatment, to activate particular parts of your brain. TMS therapy is often given in several sessions, ranging from 20 to 30. For 4-6 weeks, that works out to roughly five weekly treatments. 

You might hear a faint tapping sound as a magnetic coil is put against your skull throughout your session. Your brain’s specific region targeted by magnetic energy is known to control mood.

During your treatment session, you won’t feel your brain being stimulated. However, because magnetic pulses resemble your brain’s neurons, neurotransmitter releases are prompted. Your brain’s activity patterns can change over time due to TMS therapy, potentially resulting in less depression.

Four Reasons to Consider TMS Treatments for Depression

TMS treatments don’t involve anesthesia and can be effective even if other therapies (such as medicine or counseling) haven’t provided the necessary relief.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation devices are efficient and don’t interfere with your ability to stay attentive, don’t have the same adverse effects as typical drug side effects, and may even help you stop using medication altogether.

  1. Reduced risk of side effects 

Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are just a few of the many medications referred to as antidepressants (SNRIs). 

Other examples include monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (MAOIs). Antidepressants don’t always work the same way for everybody; for some people, taking medicine is the best course of action.

However, some people may find the side effects of medicine irritating. Nausea, reduced libido, headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, and dizziness are typical adverse effects of antidepressants.

A transcranial magnetic stimulation device can be a better option if you haven’t been satisfied with the adverse effects of medicine because it has fewer of them. These adverse effects are short and frequently disappear soon after your TMS treatment.

  1. TMS doesn’t interfere with your ability to drive

The fact that TMS therapy has no restrictions on driving is one of its main benefits. Some therapies, such as ketamine therapy, necessitate having a friend or relative pick you up from your infusion and drive you home. Additionally, drowsiness and weariness from several drugs might make driving risky.

  1. It’s effective 

TMS can effectively treat depression. TMS treatments are helpful even for patients with treatment-resistant depression, according to research published in Cureus. 

60% of individuals who receive TMS treatment have symptom improvement despite not finding relief from more conventional treatments like antidepressant medication. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation devices work because they can activate the brain’s dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people with depression.

  1. Can eliminate the need for medication

Antidepressant medication can be replaced with TMS therapies, particularly when combined with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

A transcranial magnetic stimulation device is safe and efficient and can offer hope to those who are depressed. A pacemaker, metal head plates, spinal or bladder stimulators, a history of epilepsy, or aneurysm clips are all contraindications to TMS therapy. A doctor will analyze your symptoms and medical history during your initial consultation to decide which treatments are best for you.
To learn more about TMS therapy’s benefits and look for PEMF devices, visit ALMAGIA International.

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