What to Know About TMS Treatment

Depression is a serious, life-threatening illness. But here in Denver, where 1 in 4 Coloradans suffer from depression, ..

What to Know About TMS Treatment

Depression is a serious, life-threatening illness. But here in Denver, where 1 in 4 Coloradans suffer from depression, it is pervasive. TMS treatment is a game-changing, non-pharmaceutical approach to treating depression. Read more to learn about the fundamentals of TMS treatment.

How Does TMS Treatment Work?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in parts of the brain that may be underactive in people with depression. This stimulation can help restore normal activity and improve mood in some people with treatment-resistant depression.

No drugs are used as part of TMS treatment, typically done daily for 15-30 minutes for 4-6 weeks. The painless procedure begins with a specialist mapping the specific areas to be stimulated on a cap that you will reuse during your procedure. The cap is similar to a swim cap and will be used throughout your treatment. Once mapped, the technician uses a magnetic coil that is placed against your head. The magnet then delivers the energy pulses to specific parts of the brain where they are needed most. These energy pulses help reactivate areas of your brain that depression has made underactive.

TMS has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD). This treatment is also used to treat other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Off-label, it can be used to treat teenage depression safely. Read our blog TMS Treatment for Teenage Depression for more information about TMS' safety and efficacy in children.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy presents a blend of advantages and disadvantages in its approach to treating depression and related mental health conditions. The advantages of TMS are that it is a non-invasive, targeted method for addressing treatment-resistant depression, bypassing the need for medication or invasive procedures. It boasts minimal side effects compared to traditional treatments, with many individuals experiencing temporary and mild discomfort at most. Additionally, TMS therapy provides long-lasting results for some, offering sustained relief from symptoms. However, the therapy also carries drawbacks, including the time commitment required for multiple sessions over several weeks, potential financial burdens for those without adequate insurance coverage, and variable response rates among patients. Acknowledging both the benefits and limitations of TMS therapy empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their mental health treatment journey.