For many people dealing with depression, standard treatments like psychotherapy and medication aren’t always effective. In these instances, an individual may benefit from trying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. The guide below explains the advantages of starting TMS therapy to treat depression.

The Benefits of TMS Therapy for Depression

1. Effectively Treats Treatment-Resistant Depression

TMS therapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment that applies targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain and regulate mood. Mental health specialists often recommend this option when talk therapy and antidepressants are unsuccessful in treating depression.

When these methods fail, which can happen for as many as 45% of patients, electrical stimulation therapies like TMS may help improve symptoms in up to 65% of patients with treatment-resistant depression. It works by generating activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that shows unusually low activity in people with depression.

2. Reduces Reliance on Medication

Prescription medication is a valuable treatment tool for many people with depression, but it can be ineffective and even harmful for others. Antidepressants have many potential side effects, including nausea, increased appetite and weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia. These problems may be temporary, phasing out within weeks of starting the prescribed medication, or they may continue indefinitely. 

TMS therapy has very minor side effects. Patients might experience tinging or discomfort at the treatment site, mild headaches, or lightheadedness. These side effects are typically short-lived when they happen and should go away soon after treatment. For those who experience particularly unpleasant side effects from antidepressants, TMS can provide much-needed relief.

3. Shows Fast and Long-Lasting Results

One of the major benefits of TMS therapy is how quickly patients often see results. Treatment usually lasts about six weeks, with many symptoms improving as soon as four weeks into their sessions. Although this solution is not permanent—there is currently no cure for depression—most TMS patients continue to feel better several months after completing treatment. On average, these individuals retain the benefits of therapy for more than a year.

If talk therapy and medications have not helped ease your depression, talk to the experts at Central Iowa Psychological Services about TMS therapy. This compassionate and supportive team of mental health professionals provides personalized counseling and psychological services to clients throughout the Greater Des Moines area. They offer a variety of mental health services to help you find the path to recovery, including family and adult counseling, medication management, telehealth services, and TMS therapy. Call (515) 233-1122 today to schedule an appointment. To learn more about TMS therapy for treating depression, visit their website.