Living with depression can feel like a constant battle. It affects not just your mental health but also your physical and social well-being. Every day can be a struggle, and even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to help you manage your depression and improve your quality of life. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is one such treatment that has shown promising results in treating depression. Alongside counseling and other forms of therapy, TMS can be a powerful tool in your journey towards better mental health.

Northeast Health Services offers TMS therapy services in Massachusetts that can help you or a loved one find relief from depression. Call 508.794.8711 today to discover how this innovative treatment can benefit you.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is primarily used as a treatment for depression when other treatment methods have not been effective. The central principle behind TMS therapy is the use of a magnetic field generator, or coil, placed near the head of the individual receiving treatment. The coil creates a targeted magnetic field that stimulates areas of the brain associated with mood control and depression.

The development of TMS therapy was based on the principles of electromagnetic induction, a phenomenon discovered by physicist Michael Faraday in 1831. The therapeutic use of this technology, however, did not begin until the late 20th century. The first TMS device was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Since then, TMS therapy has been continuously refined and used in conjunction with counseling for depression to offer a comprehensive treatment approach.

Why Is TMS Therapy Helpful for Depression?

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can be caused by various factors, including biology, genetics, and life events. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Unlike traditional depression treatments such as medication or talk therapy, TMS therapy directly targets the regions of the brain associated with depression. By stimulating these areas, TMS therapy can help restore balance and improve mood regulation.

There’s evidence that it works—studies show that 79% of trial participants with severe depression experience remission as a result of TMS therapy.¹

How Do Sessions Work?

In a TMS therapy session, the role of the interventional specialist is crucial. They are responsible for providing the treatment and monitoring the client’s response. Here’s a typical breakdown of what happens in a TMS therapy session:

• Preparation – The client is seated comfortably in a treatment chair. No anesthesia is required. The interventional specialist positions the TMS coil on the client’s head, aligning it with the pre-determined treatment area.
• Treatment – The TMS coil generates rapid magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and stimulate the targeted brain cells. These pulses feel like a slight tapping sensation on the scalp. The interventional specialist is present throughout the session to ensure the comfort and safety of the client.
• Duration – Each session typically lasts around 20 to 40 minutes, and the client can resume their normal activities immediately afterward. A course of TMS therapy generally consists of five sessions each week for four to six weeks, but this can vary based on individual needs and responses to treatment.
• Follow-up – The interventional specialist will regularly review the client’s progress, adjusting the treatment plan if necessary. Counseling for depression is often recommended to complement TMS therapy, providing a holistic approach to managing and overcoming depression.

It’s important to note that while TMS therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are some risks involved, such as discomfort at the treatment site or headache. However, these adverse effects are typically mild and temporary. The listed risks are not exhaustive, and your mental health care provider will review potential risks and side effects with you when considering TMS treatment.

Call Northeast Health Services for TMS Therapy in Massachusetts

Call 508.794.8711 or contact Northeast Health Services online today to schedule a consultation and learn more about TMS therapy for depression.

Source:

1. Stanford Medicine – Experimental depression treatment is nearly 80% effective in controlled study