Depression is one of the leading mental health disorders in the United States. Nearly 5 percent of American adults experience a depressive disorder at some point in their lives. Whether it is major depressive disorder or something similar, depression is something that impacts not only those who have it but their friends and loved ones as well.
While not curable, depression can be treated. Various therapies and prescription medications have all proven effective in many cases. However, there exists a small number of people who are unresponsive to traditional forms of treatment. Fortunately, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has proven effective for those living with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression. It works by stimulating the brain regions that regulate emotions and memory. In this way, normal brain function is restored, and the patient feels better.
Our outpatient TMS Therapy in Georgia utilizes the Apollo TMS Therapy System. The Apollo TMS Therapy system delivers short bursts of high-frequency magnetic pulses through the patient’s scalp to specific points on the brain’s surface. These magnetic pulses are delivered through a coil placed on the patient’s head. A computer controls the delivery of the pulses.
TMS Therapy for Depression
TMS Therapy has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the leading forms of treatment for those with treatment-resistant depression.
When the brain is functioning normally, it produces chemicals that regulate mood and behavior. However, when depressed, the brain produces fewer of these chemicals. TMS Therapy employs magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions that control emotion and thought, increasing the production of chemicals that regulate mood and behavior. After TMS Therapy, patients often report feeling happier and less stressed.
While results may vary, TMS Therapy has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of MDD for those whose antidepressant medication treatment has failed.
Is TMS Safe?
Countless studies have shown that TMS Therapy is safe and effective, with few, if any, side effects. The most common side effects include mild discomfort during treatment and a slight headache following treatment. The vast majority of TMS patients leave a session and immediately return to their lives.
No anesthesia or surgery is required; patients need only sit or lie down while their heads are exposed to a magnetic field. Our outpatient TMS Therapy in Georgia is provided by our expert TMS Technicians, who follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety.
How Often Do I Need Treatment?
For best results, TMS sessions need to be scheduled daily or at least twice a week. Some patients notice antidepressant effects after approximately 5 sessions. However, it’s important to remember that just as the individual causes of depression differ, so does the response to treatment. Generally, we recommend between 20 and 30 sessions to consolidate the antidepressant effects. You can complete a full course of treatment within one to two months.
This makes TMS a fast-acting treatment program for patients looking for an alternative to antidepressant medication.
All TMS treatments are supervised by a trained psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse. The sessions are conducted in a comfortable treatment chair, where a magnetic coil is placed over your head. The coil generates a pulsating magnetic field that stimulates the target areas in the brain. The magnetic field generates a noticeable ticking sound. While the stimulation is not painful, many patients notice a tingling sensation on their scalp.
