Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Anxiety is sometimes treated with TMS, along with migraines and OCD. There is evidence that TMS may help for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, certain types of chronic pain, smoking cessation, PTSD, and autism in adults. Studies have also shown that TMS may aid in recovery from strokes as well as in patients experiencing mild dementia and certain other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

There are numerous medications and antidepressants for depression, but many only mask or temporarily address their depression symptoms as they course through the bloodstream. Discontinuing an antidepressant regimen could very well cause a depressive episode to occur.

Additionally, many antidepressants have a range of side effects, and can include:

• Increased suicidal ideation
• Long-term weight gain
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Upset digestive system
• Lower sex drive

Each patient is unique, and their response to certain antidepressants is inconsistent. As a result, patients may have to try multiple medications (and possibly experience a range of side effects) before finding one that alleviates their depression symptoms.

In order to avoid situations such as these and get people relief sooner, there has been a search for new treatments, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is at the forefront of this movement.

Compared to antidepressants, TMS has very few side effects while also offering highly effective results. One in two patients treated with TMS had a 50% reduction in their symptoms, and after six weeks of treatment, one-third (33%) of patients had no symptoms of their depression or were in remission.

Also, TMS treatments only typically last four to six weeks. Antidepressants must be taken continuously, or else symptoms are likely to return.

TMS should not impact the medications themselves. However, as TMS treatments continue, there may no longer be a need for the medications that were being used as part of the original mental health treatment plan.

Unlike antidepressants, which temporarily impact mood and behavior by working through the bloodstream, TMS stimulates the brain and delivers localized electromagnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex, which is the area of your brain that regulates mood. These electromagnetic pulses stimulate neurons, which release neurotransmitters and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. Many experts believe that depression and other mental health conditions are linked to an imbalance of these neurotransmitters. TMS works to restore that balance and can provide a more lasting impact on relieving depression symptoms than other treatments, such as antidepressants.

However, mental health treatments are not one-size-fits-all situations. Because of this fact, treatment plans will vary depending on each patient’s unique needs and concerns. Treatment plans could follow these paths:

• If a person was already taking medications before beginning TMS treatments, they may or may not continue to take them.
• If a person was not already taking medications before beginning TMS treatments, they may or may not be prescribed medications to supplement their TMS treatment plan.

Overall, patients will work closely with their providers to collaborate on a treatment plan that works best for them. And as treatments continue, the plan will be adjusted as needed to make sure patients are continuing on their path to wellness.

Antidepressants are invaluable aids in the treatment of clinical depression and other mood disorders, but they’re not for everyone. According to the World Journal of Psychiatry, antidepressants don’t improve symptoms in 10%–15% of people with depression and only partially improve symptoms in 30%–40%. Also, many people experience side effects from antidepressants that can impact their overall well-being.

On the other hand, TMS therapy has shown significantly better results than antidepressants with a small risk of experiencing mild, short-term side effects. One in two patients treated with TMS had a 50% reduction in their symptoms and about 30% of patients experience full remission, which means that their symptoms go away completely.

While most patients begin to show improvement after two to three weeks of TMS treatments, it can take up to six weeks to achieve the maximum benefits.

It is important to understand that mental health treatment plans are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Treatment plans may take longer or require different treatment option combinations to work best for certain patients. It is important for patients to communicate clearly with their provider about how their treatment plan is working. Collaboration between patient and provider can greatly impact the results of a patient’s wellness journey.