Mood
disorders such as depression are on the rise, but with treatment options like tms therapy,
it's possible to manage the symptoms and restore mental health.
Transcranial
magnetic stimulation, more commonly known as TMS therapy, is one of the latest
and most promising therapies to treat depression. While it has been around
since the 1980s, it wasn’t until recently that its popularity began to spread
to medical professionals and researchers alike.
With
its rising use in mainstream medical facilities, there are many people who are
curious about what TMS therapy actually is and how it can help them manage
their depression symptoms. This article will explain what TMS therapy really is
and how it can help with depression management.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation, also known as tms,
is a therapy that's designed to treat depression. Similar to Transcranial
Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), it's a method of using magnetic fields to
modulate brain activity. TMS is particularly good at treating depression
symptoms in patients who are not receiving adequate treatment or who can't
tolerate antidepressant medications. This treatment is becoming increasingly
popular among those who want to see positive results without having to take
drugs or undergo surgery.
What to Expect From a Session?
A
TMS session is quick and painless and it’s done at the tms clinic.
During the treatment, you will be seated in a comfortable chair with electrodes
connected to your scalp. Your head will be held in a fixed position. A magnetic
pulse is then applied to the side of your head, where it is believed there are
connections between nerves involved in mood regulation. The goal is that this
magnetic stimulation can alter those nerve cells and reduce the symptoms of depression.
You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure and it’s safe.
The
duration of a TMS session varies depending on the severity of symptoms and
needs, but typically lasts about 20 minutes. The amount of sessions needed also
varies from person to person but generally ranges from 10-30 sessions over an
8-12 week period.
Reasons to Choose TMS Therapy
For
someone who is struggling with depression, TMS therapy can be a viable
treatment option. It’s worth considering if your primary depressive symptoms
involve feeling persistently sad or down; have too much difficulty enjoying
activities or can’t sleep because of negative thoughts. The benefits of TMS
include decreased symptoms, more energy and better mood, as well as reduced
risk of relapse.
Things That Trigger
Depressive Episodes
One
of the easiest ways to figure out what may be triggering your depression is by
keeping a journal where you record your feelings and emotions each day. This
will help identify patterns in what triggers depressive episodes and allow you
to get back into control. If there's anything else that could be leading you
towards feeling depressed, this could be another valuable trigger to watch out
for.
Remember
that with any depression treatment, you will not feel better instantly. So,
even though you'll be in therapy every day or getting treatments like TMS, it
may still take a while before you start feeling better. Additionally, one of
the best ways to keep yourself healthy while going through treatment is by
maintaining your routine as much as possible--keeping a regular sleep schedule
and eating healthily are great ways to help maintain your wellbeing during this
difficult time.
