TMS. You’ve probably heard bits and pieces about this depression treatment option, or maybe you’ve done your research when searching for alternative depression therapies. Some articles have likely touted the benefits of TMS therapy while others claim it to be a hoax or otherwise ineffective.
Let’s break TMS down and take a look at the facts – because the facts and the data behind them are what prove Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to be a verified, effective modality for mental health care.
First Things First, What Is TMS?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a non-invasive, non-anesthesia, FDA-approved therapy that utilizes magnetic coils to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood. By targeting and stimulating these areas, TMS encourages the release of neurotransmitters and “feel-good” hormones like dopamine and serotonin, over longer periods of time compared to traditional antidepressants.
What Are the Benefits of TMS?
- Anesthesia Free – TMS therapy is an outpatient procedure with no anesthesia required, so patients can drive themselves to and from appointments with little disruption to their day.
- Minimal Side Effects – Unlike traditional medications that come with a wide range of side effects, TMS is typically well-tolerated by most patients.
- Covered by Insurance – Because TMS is FDA approved, it is covered by most major insurance companies.
- Proven Effective – Since 2008, TMS continues to show positive results for patients struggling with severe or treatment-resistant depression.
Are There Any Negatives to TMS?
As with any mental health treatment, some patients may have negative experiences, though with TMS they are rare. Reported downsides include:
- Unpleasant Side Effects – Possible side effects of TMS include mild headaches, tingling in the scalp, lightheadedness, and facial twitching (temporary).
- Cost – While most insurances do cover TMS, there may still be out-of-pocket costs, like copays.
- Time Commitment*– TMS treatments take place over the course of several weeks, requiring several appointments.
- Lack of Relief – TMS may not work, or additional treatment is required for symptom relief.
Remember, one person’s experience – whether positive or negative – will not be the same as another’s, so it’s important to know all the facts and possibilities as you consider the best treatment for you.
*For patients faced with time commitment barriers, Mindful Health Solutions is proud to offer MindfulONE, a new and groundbreaking one-day option that condenses weeks of treatments into just one day. Learn more here.
What Do the Stats Say about TMS?
TMS therapy was FDA approved in 2008, and over the past 17 years has demonstrated a high success rate, with more than half of Mindful Health Solutions patients benefiting from depression relief and 40% experiencing full remission.
That’s not to say TMS will be effective for every person. Some may enjoy all the benefits of the treatment, while for others it may not work, or not be as effective.
Is TMS Considered Controversial?
While members of the medical community may not consider TMS therapy to be a controversial form of depression treatment, others outside of the field may be skeptical. Often, this is due to the comparison between TMS and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), known colloquially as shock therapy. These are very different forms of treatment, as ECT uses electrical currents to induce a controlled seizure and requires general anesthesia in a hospital. On the other hand, TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of the brain without inducing seizures or requiring anesthesia, therefore being a much safer and less invasive option for treatment.
Some may also consider TMS controversial due to hearing negative reviews or experiences. It’s natural – and recommended! – to research therapeutic treatments when searching for a solution to mental health struggles, but it’s also important to consider causes behind each experience, whether good or bad.
What Causes a Bad TMS Experience?
There are many reasons why someone may say that TMS didn’t work for them, or that it made their depression worse. These may include:
- Extended Sessions Needed – TMS treatment takes place over the course of 6 weeks. Some patients, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression or difficult-to-treat mood disorders, may need a second round, or may have to combine TMS with traditional medication, like an antidepressant.
- Relationship Struggles – Depression often wreaks havoc not only on the individual, but also on those around them. Daily struggles with energy, motivation, and dips in mood can create challenges within personal and work relationships while a patient is going through treatment.
- Prohibitive Costs – Despite being covered by most insurance carriers, TMS therapy may require additional costs for patients that are prohibitive for long-term care. This can cause patients to cancel treatment before finishing the full treatment series, thereby resulting in limited or no relief from depression or anxiety.
- Dips in Mood – Though temporary, some patients experience a “TMS Dip” as the brain begins to essentially reset as a result of magnetic pulse targeting. This can feel like a relapse as they report fatigue, irritability, sadness, or continued feelings of depression. Typically a TMS dip lasts for a few weeks but does eventually resolve. Note that dips can also be caused by antidepressants.
- Other Mental Health Issues – It’s not uncommon for someone with depression to also be experiencing a co-occurring mental health disorder. In these instances where there’s an unknown co-occurring disorder or even in rare cases where that disorder is misdiagnosed as depression, TMS won’t be as effective because it is only targeting the depression, while the co-occurring issue is left untreated.
It Comes Down to This:
TMS is not a hoax. In fact, it’s proven to be an effective method for treating depression, when used correctly by qualified mental health professionals, but it’s important for each patient to do their own research and due diligence to understand what the treatment is, how it works, and what to expect based on real-world examples and verified statistics.
Ready to Transform Your Mind’s Health?
Experience the innovative care offered by Mindful Health Solutions. We offer TMS therapy at all of our 20+ locations to help as many people as possible rediscover hope and possibilities in their lives. Contact us today to start on the path to joy.