When depression becomes severe, it can feel like the walls are closing in, leaving very few options for relief. For many people who have tried antidepressants, therapy, or even lifestyle changes without success, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking. That’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy comes into the picture. It’s often recommended as a non-invasive treatment for individuals who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments. But the big question remains: Does TMS therapy really work for severe depression?
- Why would my brain function differently when exposed to a magnet?
- TMS’s advantages for depression
- Factors That Influence TMS Success
- What Does a TMS Session Feel Like?
- Is TMS Therapy Worth It?
- Conclusion
Why would my brain function differently when exposed to a magnet?
Electricity and magnetism are the two fundamental physics concepts that underpin transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS depends on the ability of these two principles to cooperate with one another.
The magnetic field is the influence of a magnet in its surrounding area, which is magnetically active. The effects of the magnet at its center are still visible in that area. Electricity is produced by the interaction of a conductive object with a magnetic field when a magnet is brought close to it.
Why is all of it important, then? Your brain is electrically active, so it matters. Tiny amounts of electricity are used by the neurons, which are brain cells in your brain and nerves, to transmit and relay information throughout your body. The electrical activity of your brain can be affected by placing a magnet near it. For this reason, TMS targets particular brain regions, particularly those involved in emotions, internal decision-making, pleasure, etc.
However, a magnet that turns on and off is necessary for TMS. This can be accomplished by controlling the magnet’s on/off state with electricity. Additionally, it needs a magnet that is far more powerful than the typical magnet you have around the house or on your refrigerator.
TMS’s advantages for depression
The use of TMS to treat depression has numerous benefits. First of all, patients do not have to have surgery or take medications that affect the entire body because it is a non-invasive therapy option.
TMS also offers the benefit of having few adverse effects, which allows patients to avoid some of the typical side effects of conventional drugs, like:
- An increase in thoughts of suicide
- Prolonged weight gain
- Sleeplessness
- A headache
- Fatigue and dry mouth
- disturbed stomach tract
- Reduced desire for sex
TMS also has a high success rate. After six weeks of treatment, one-third of patients had no symptoms of their depression or were in remission, and one in two patients who received TMS saw a 50% reduction in their symptoms.
Factors That Influence TMS Success
Several factors can affect how well TMS works for an individual:
- Severity and duration of depression: People with a longer history of depression might take longer to respond.
- Number of prior treatment failures: Those who have tried many medications without success may still respond to TMS, but they might need additional sessions.
- Consistency: Skipping sessions can reduce effectiveness. A full course is essential.
- Personal biology: Every brain is different, and some people’s neurons respond better to stimulation than others.
Interestingly, many clinicians have noted that TMS works even better when combined with supportive therapies like psychotherapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and medication management.
What Does a TMS Session Feel Like?
People often wonder if TMS is painful. Most describe the feeling as a tapping sensation on the scalp. It can feel strange at first, but many people get used to it quickly. Some report mild headaches or scalp discomfort after sessions, but these usually go away with time.
Since TMS doesn’t involve sedation, patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and resume daily activities right after the session. This convenience adds to its appeal for many.
Is TMS Therapy Worth It?
Considering the evidence and personal success stories, many mental health professionals view TMS as a game-changer for severe depression. It’s a particularly promising option for those who have felt hopeless after traditional treatments have failed.
That said, TMS therapy isn’t cheap, and insurance coverage can vary depending on your provider and location. However, most major insurance companies in the U.S. now cover TMS for treatment-resistant depression.
If you or a loved one is considering TMS, it’s essential to talk to a psychiatrist or neurologist experienced with the treatment. They can evaluate your condition, medical history, and needs to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Conclusion
The therapy method known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a magnetic field to alter your brain’s electrical activity. Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, quitting smoking, and migraines can all be helped by this medication.
Although TMS isn’t a first-line treatment, it gives hope to those who haven’t responded well to other, more widely used therapies. TMS is a potentially life-saving treatment for severe or treatment-resistant depression. Researchers are also looking into whether it can help with a variety of other brain-related diseases, which could lead to even more applications for the medication.