TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is one of the modern ways to treat acute clinical depression. A type of brain stimulation therapy, it is a noninvasive method of treating mental health disorders. In tms therapy, electromagnetic pulses are sent to the brain to stimulate nerve cells to improve neurological symptoms. The process is also called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), as it uses repetitive electrical impulses in the brain.

The therapy is one step ahead of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. In fact, patients who did not respond well to these two treatments of depression have found success through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

The treatment got approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2008 as a viable option for patients suffering from severe depression.

How Efficient is TMS for Depression?

Medications for depression are the most common treatments worldwide. But, its efficacy rate is usually very poor. Around 50-60% of people shift from antidepressants to TMS because the latter shows a more clinically significant response.

Reports show that only one-third of people taking medications have experienced complete remission. In simple words, their symptoms ceased. Nonetheless, the signs and symptoms started reappearing with a high recurrence rate after a few months.

But, this is not something that TMS patients have to complain about. Most of these patients feel better for months, even after the therapy sessions end. To some of them, the symptoms stay at bay even for a year or more.

How Does the Process Work?

A typical setup of an rTMS session includes an electromagnetic coil placed on the skull. It is placed near the forehead precisely. The electromagnet sends a magnetic pulse to those areas of the brain where mood control and depression are involved. It activates those regions of the brain where depression activities are the least.

Although the exact biological happening is still less understood, what makes this therapy popular is its efficiency. It eases depressive symptoms and enhances a patient’s mood.

Are there Risks or Serious Side Effects of the Therapy?

rTMS is a painless, noninvasive brain stimulation therapy to treat depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, this therapy does not associate with surgical methods. Also, unlike ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), rTMS does not require anesthetic sedation. It is a safe process with some mild to moderate side effects like –

  • Headache
  • Discomfort at the site of stimulation
  • Tingling sensations or twitching of facial muscles
  • Feeling lightheaded

Connect with your doctor to have over-the-counter medications to treat these side effects.

Who is a Good Candidate for TMS Therapy?

Those suffering from depression are likely to first undergo antidepressant or psychotherapy treatments. So, a good candidate for the therapy is –

  • One who has used antidepressants but failed to see positive results.
  • One who has experienced significant adverse side effects from antidepressants.
  • One who is young in age – a child, teenager, or young adult.

It is not that old patients cannot receive the therapy. But, young patients are more likely to be referred for this brain stimulation therapy because they are more prone to getting side effects from medications.

The Final Words

rTMS or tms therapy is performed at a doctor’s clinic or medical center. It usually requires a series of sessions for the process to be effective. These sessions are carried out daily for four to six weeks, based on your symptoms and severity of depression.