A mood disorder like depression may be treated in a number of ways. One of them is transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy. If you are seeking alternatives to antidepressant medications, a doctor may recommend TMS. 

What Is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that applies a series of short magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Specifically, the pulses target the prefrontal cortex region, which is typically underactive in patients with depression. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the technique for adults over 18 struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD). Side effects are generally mild to moderate, and can include headaches, scalp discomfort, facial twitching and lightheadedness. 

What Is the Treatment Like?

In a typical course of treatment, a patient will undergo TMS therapy in sessions lasting about 20 minutes. Sessions occur five days a week for four to six weeks, for a total of around 30 sessions. The number of sessions will depend on the patient's response to treatment. 

Every patient exhibits a unique response. Some may feel an improvement in symptoms in as little as a week. Others may not notice a change for a month. Factors that can affect your response to TMS include age, personality and current antidepressant regimen. 

If you do not respond to the first course of TMS therapy, your doctor may recommend another round or ongoing treatment.

Is TMS Therapy Effective?

Research has shown that 50 to 60 percent of patients experience a meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms after a six-week course of TMS therapy. About a third of them achieve full remission, with symptoms disappearing completely. Though clinical trials are still pending, TMS has also been found beneficial for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and stroke rehabilitation.

Patients suffering from depression can find relief through TMS therapy at Ohm Mental Health. Located in Lewiston, ID, the facility provides high-quality mental health care to individuals and families struggling with depression, substance abuse and other conditions. The trained, experienced clinicians offer medical-based, integrative behavioral health treatment services, including TMS therapy. Call (208) 717-4823 to speak to a professional or visit the clinic's website for more information.