Up to 30% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If you’re one of them, it means your symptoms persist even after taking antidepressant medication.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group in Cranford, New Jersey, psychiatrists Salvatore Savatta, MD, Karen Omilian, DO, Orrin Main, MD, and our team of licensed nurses and counselors manage TRD with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. This blog explains what TMS is and discusses how it can provide lasting depression relief.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy, is an outpatient procedure that uses a magnetic field to influence your brain’s electrical activity. Specifically, it increases the electrical activity in the part of your brain responsible for emotions, decision-making, and behavior.
This stimulates your neurons (brain cells) and releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals act as messengers and improve communication between different parts of your brain. They also promote long-lasting feelings of happiness and well-being, improving your mood, outlook, and behavior.
You may be a candidate for TMS if you’ve been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder such as treatment-resistant depression. That’s especially true if you’ve tried several antidepressants and your symptoms continue or worsen.
You may also benefit from TMS if you experience negative side effects from antidepressants or your depression interferes with aspects of your daily life, such as your ability to work, spend time with friends, or participate in activities you enjoy.
To qualify for treatment, you must be in relatively good health. Tell your provider if you’ve been diagnosed with neurological issues, like epilepsy, or if you have a history of seizures. Likewise, let us know if you have an electronic implant, like a cochlear implant. TMS uses a strong magnet and can move these devices out of position.
If our team determines you’re a candidate for TMS, we develop a personalized treatment plan.
A typical TMS therapy session averages 20-40 minutes. During treatment, you sit in a comfortable chair with a large magnet attached to an extension arm. Once you’re in position, your provider gives you earplugs and adjusts the magnet so it’s directly over the area of your brain responsible for emotions and decision-making.
When the magnet is in position, your provider turns it on. Once treatment begins, it’s normal to feel a light tapping sensation on your scalp. You may also notice your fingers and thumbs twitch. This is nothing to worry about, but tell your provider if you experience pain or discomfort, so they can adjust the settings accordingly. At the end of treatment, your provider turns off the machine and has you remove your earplugs.
The TMS treatment regimen varies from person to person, but our team typically recommends therapy five days a week for three or four weeks.* At the end of this initial period, we reevaluate your depression symptoms and adjust the plan as needed to ensure a positive outcome.
TMS therapy is safe and effective. Research suggests about 80% of people who undergo the procedure experience remission from their depressive symptoms.
If you’re interested in learning more about TMS, contact our team at Labyrinth Psychiatry Group today. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
*Individual treatment recommendations may vary.
