TMS Therapy and Depression
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects more than 250 million people all over the world. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that affect people of all age groups in all countries. Depression is defined as a persistent feeling of sadness that interferes with your daily life. It is characterized by low self-worth, feelings of guilt and loss of interest in everyday activities. There is a wide range of prescriptive medicines available in the market that may prove to be helpful when it comes to helping a patient cope with depression. However, they are not always effective.
In one of the studies conducted by Robert J. DeRubeis, a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor, it was found that antidepressant medication provided little or no benefit to people suffering from mild or moderate depression. In another study it was found that only 44% of people who received antidepressant treatment got adequate relief. Furthermore, there are many side effects that may play havoc with the day-to-day life of a person. This is not to say that antidepressant medications are not effective. In fact, they work very well for some patients and provide adequate relief. However, it’s important to understand that there are other treatment options available that can be very effective when it comes to overcoming depression. TMS therapy is one such treatment option that has gained popularity all over the world.
- What is TMS therapy?
Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a safe, non-invasive and FDA-cleared treatment for depression. In TMS therapy, magnetic pulses are used to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain thought to control mood. By making neurons more active, TMS help relieve the symptoms of depression.
- Benefits of TMS therapy
In addition to being highly effective, TMS therapy doesn’t have any side-effects. The patient may experience minor discomfort near the treatment area but the adverse effects of antidepressant medications are largely absent in TMS.
- Is TMS right for you?
TMS therapy is the right option for those who fail to receive adequate relief with antidepressant medications. TMS therapy also works well for those who’re experiencing debilitating side-effects of antidepressant medications.
It has been found that more than half of the patients who received TMS therapy experienced a minimum of 50% reduction in depression symptoms. Owing to its usefulness and effectiveness, TMS is gaining acceptance in medical fraternity. More information on Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy is available, click here.