Navigating the landscape of depression treatment can be overwhelming, primarily when conventional methods don’t deliver the expected relief. This is where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy comes into play, offering hope for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). At Northeast Health Services, we understand the profound impact of chronic depression on our clients’ lives and are proud to offer TMS treatment for depression. Call 508.794.8711 today to speak with someone from our knowledgeable team about how TMS therapy works and the benefits of TMS treatment for you and your loved ones.

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Before exploring how transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy works, it’s essential to understand what treatment-resistant depression is. This term refers to depression that doesn’t improve after trying at least two different types of antidepressant treatments. It’s a frustrating situation that can make individuals feel hopeless about finding an effective solution.

Diagnosing TRD is not a straightforward process, and it requires thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. Factors contributing to TRD include genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental or psychological triggers. As with any form of depression, this condition must be diagnosed early to prevent fatalities due to suicidal ideation.

Northeast Health Services is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. It’s mainly aimed at aiding those with treatment-resistant depression, providing a new avenue for therapeutic intervention without the need for medications or invasive procedures. Northeast Health Services offers TMS treatment as an outpatient procedure, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes.

How Does TMS Therapy Work for Depression Treatment?

Here’s a closer look at how TMS therapy works:

• Magnetic coils – A device containing electromagnetic coils is placed near the forehead.
• Magnetic pulses – These coils produce short magnetic pulses, similar in type but stronger than those produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.
• Stimulation of brain cells – The magnetic pulses painlessly pass through the skull and stimulate brain cells in the targeted area involved in mood control and depression.
• Activation of neural activity – By increasing activity in areas of the brain with decreased activity due to depression, TMS therapy can lead to a significant reduction in depression symptoms.

The exact mechanism of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in treating depression involves targeted activation of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with mood regulation.

What Are the Benefits of TMS Treatment?

Benefits of TMS include:

• Non-invasive and generally well-tolerated
• Minimal to no systemic side effects, unlike medication
• Can be an effective treatment option for those with treatment-resistant depression
• Sessions are outpatient and require no anesthesia or sedation, allowing clients to resume daily activities immediately after treatment

It’s important to note that while many clients experience improvements, as with any treatment, individual responses can vary. A comprehensive assessment by a psychiatric doctor is essential to determine if TMS therapy is the right option.

Call Northeast Health Services to Discover TMS Treatment in Massachusetts

TMS therapy represents a significant advancement in the treatment of depression, particularly for those who have not found relief through traditional methods. Northeast Health Services is committed to offering innovative treatment options like TMS to provide our clients with the best possible care. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly. With the proper support and expert care, overcoming treatment-resistant depression is within reach.