If you’re one of the 21 million American adults living with depression, you’ve likely explored various treatment options for relief. While some people benefit from healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication, about 2.8 million people have treatment-resistant depression (TRD) which doesn’t respond to traditional therapies.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is becoming increasingly popular for treating TRD, but misunderstandings about the procedure abound.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group in Cranford, New Jersey, psychiatrists Salvatore Savatta, MD, Karen Omilian, DO, Orrin Marin, MD, and our team of licensed nurses and counselors regularly prescribe TMS. This blog debunks some of the most common myths about the procedure so you can determine if it’s worth exploring.
TMS therapy is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure that uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate nerve cells in certain areas of your brain. More specifically, it activates regions of your brain responsible for mood control and depression.
Researchers aren’t sure why, but increasing the electrical activity in these areas seems to change the firing patterns of neurons, effectively “rebooting” your brain. After a series of TMS treatments, many patients report an improved mood and outlook and reduced depressive symptoms.
TMS is proven effective and works wonders for many people, but plenty of misconceptions exist. Here, we look at four of the most common and explain the reality versus the myth.
Reality: TMS therapy is a noninvasive procedure. During treatment, you sit in a comfortable chair and your provider points a powerful magnet at a specific area of your brain.
Once the magnet is in position, your provider turns it on and it emits electromagnetic waves. These waves penetrate your skull and activate neurons (cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals). Activating the neurons changes their firing pattern, improving depressive symptoms over time.
It’s normal to feel a mild tapping sensation on your scalp during TMS treatment, but that’s about it. It isn’t painful, and if you feel uncomfortable, simply tell your provider. They can easily adjust the settings to ensure a relaxing, stress-free experience.
Reality: TMS therapy has gotten more publicity over the last few years, thanks in part to receiving FDA approval or clearance for treating migraines, major depressive disorder (MDD), and smoking cessation.
All these developments occurred within the last decade, but TMS itself was invented more than 35 years ago. Since that time, the procedure has undergone significant research and review. Research shows that TMS is both safe and effective.
Scientists learn more about its benefits all the time, but TMS therapy isn’t new or experimental. We’ve got evidence that backs up its efficacy.
Reality: TMS therapy is a relatively quick procedure. Most patients are in and out of our office within 30-45 minutes and sometimes sooner. Further, there are no long-term risks or side effects to worry about.
Some people do experience mild side effects after TMS treatment, like mild headaches, lightheadedness, and involuntary blinking, but these issues typically improve on their own within 24-48 hours.
Additionally, TMS isn’t recommended for everyone. If you have a history of seizures or a metallic implant, your provider makes alternative treatment recommendations.
Reality: TMS therapy is proven safe and effective for addressing treatment-resistant depression (TMD), but that isn’t all it’s used for. Our providers often prescribe it for other mental health and neurological conditions, including:
Sometimes, TMS is prescribed to treat eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
TMS therapy offers various benefits for those who suffer from mental health conditions. Many of the myths about the procedure are inaccurate, and research shows it can save lives by reducing suicides. The noninvasive nature of TMS therapy makes it significantly less risky than other treatments, such as medication, and it’s often covered by health insurance.
If you’re interested in trying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, contact our team at Labyrinth Psychiatry Group today. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
