Depression is a debilitating condition that is more than feeling just a little sad. While feeling down can be a normal part of life, depression triggers lingering symptoms such as hopelessness and despair. You might experience a loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite or weight, and changes in sleep patterns.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a treatment option for depression, depression-related anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have depression and have not experienced relief from traditional treatment modalities, we encourage you to call our office for a consultation. We can discuss the benefits of TMS therapy in the treatment of depression and mood disorders.
The first line of treatment for depression is typically antidepressant medications. However, these are not effective for many individuals. After someone has tried three or more antidepressant medications without receiving significant relief, the diagnosis is often changed to treatment-resistant depression.
TMS therapy was approved by the FDA in 2008, and clinical studies of NeuroStar TMS therapy have demonstrated a high degree of effectiveness for individuals who have treatment-resistant depression.
In one study, researchers found that 83% of those who had treatment-resistant depression and underwent NeuroStar TMS therapy experienced measurable improvements in their symptoms, and 62% experienced remission. Remission is the medical term to describe a complete elimination of the clinical signs and symptoms of the condition.
The list of side effects associated with antidepressant medications is long. It typically includes fatigue, drowsiness, constipation, changes in sleep patterns or weight, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of suicide.
Individuals who have severe depression and who have not responded to antidepressant medications may receive a recommendation for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT treatment requires anesthesia, which has potential side effects that are not associated with the ECT treatment itself.
ECT intentionally triggers a seizure as part of the treatment. Side effects from ECT can include muscle aches and jaw pain, nausea, headache, fatigue, and confusion. Many patients also experience memory loss, and medical complications can include increased blood pressure and heart rate during the treatment, which can trigger heart problems.
By comparison, the benefits of NeuroStar TMS therapy are relatively minor and far outweigh the side effects. In clinical trials, less than 5% of participants stopped their treatment because of side effects, the most common of which was temporary pain or discomfort near the treatment site.
During treatment, you might experience tingling, warmth, or a tapping sound. Other pain and discomfort might include eye pain, toothache, facial muscle twitching, or pain on the skin under the NeuroStar TMS therapy coil. These symptoms resolve spontaneously and typically do not appear after the first week of treatment.
When you have treatment-resistant depression and continue to struggle with symptoms, there is hope. NeuroStar TMS therapy has proven to be safe and effective in people with treatment-resistant depression and depression-related anxiety and as an adjunctive therapy for OCD.
At AMS Health and Wellness, we want you to know you are not alone. We encourage you to call our office today and speak to our welcoming staff to schedule your consultation and discuss the benefits of TMS therapy as part of your treatment.
