What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), sometimes called antidepressant-resistant depression, is any depressive disorder that fails to improve significantly after trying two or more conventional antidepressants administered in a controlled manner.
Suppose someone suffering from depression sees a mental health professional who prescribes them at least two different antidepressants separately, with an adequate trial period (6 weeks or more for each), and they do not get sufficient symptom relief. In that case, that person may be diagnosed with TRD.
What is rTMS and How Does It Help Relieve Depression?
Like conventional TMS, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and noninvasive therapy that employs magnetic pulses to activate and modulate nerve cells in brain regions associated with psychiatric conditions, especially depression.
Research is ongoing, but it is believed that rTMS relieves depression in part by promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt. The magnetic pulses used in this treatment help neurons better synchronize, which can positively impact mood regulation.
rTMS works to relieve depression symptoms by:
- Improving neuroplasticity the ability of the brain to change and adapt.
- Stimulating nerve cells in the brain regions associated with depression.
- Modulating neuron firing to allow better synchronization which can improve mood.
- Providing greater depression relief through synergy when combined with other treatments.
How Does rTMS Work To Relieve Depression When Medications Can’t?
Conventional antidepressants like SSRIs and SSNRIs work by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. However, they aren’t always effective at providing relief for depression sufferers.
rTMS for depression can be helpful in these situations because it takes an entirely different approach, using magnetic pulses to target brain functioning and signal transmission. In a randomized, double-blinded study, rTMS was found to be 2.25 times more effective than standard antidepressants.
What Makes rTMS Different from Standard TMS?
Like Saint TMS, rTMS is an evolution of transcranial magnetic stimulation that has been shown to be more effective than standard TMS in clinical trials. rTMS is different from standard TMS in several ways. rTMS uses a coil that is differently shaped from regular TMS. The magnetic pulse used in rTMS reaches a maximum of 0.7 cm in depth (as opposed to a max of 3.2 cm in regular TMS). An rTMS session typically lasts longer (up to about 40 minutes.)
Who is a Good Candidate for rTMS Depression Treatment?
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is shown to be effective for treatment-resistant depression (TRD); however, that’s far from its only use. rTMS treatment is also an effective supplementary treatment for people who are getting results with other approaches, including depression medications.
The truth is, you can never be “too well.” Many of our clients find they get the best results from a depression treatment plan, which includes rTMS along with other treatments, such as psychotherapy, changes in nutrition, meditation, and more.
Is rTMS depression treatment right for me or my loved one?
- rTMS therapy can help alleviate depression symptoms for many people who have been unable to find relief from antidepressants.
- People with treatment-resistant depression are often excellent candidates for rTMS depression care.
- Those for whom medication or other forms of treatment are effective can find even greater relief when incorporating rTMS into their depression treatment plan.
- People who prefer to avoid antidepressants and other pharmaceutical treatments for depression often find rTMS to be a suitable substitute.
- The best way to find out if rTMS is the right treatment for you is to schedule a free consultation with BrainHealth by calling us at (949) 779-3587
Is There Any Reason Someone Should Not Try rTMS for Depression?
Most people tolerate rTMS therapy well as it is not a medication, and it cannot interact negatively with any medicines you may already be taking. There are just four main categories of people who should avoid rTMS treatment.
They are:
- People with Certain Metal Implants: Anyone who has metal implants in their head or neck area, such as aneurysm clips or coils, stents in the brain or neck, or bullet fragments or shrapnel near the head should avoid rTMS due to the use of magnetism.
- Those with Pacemakers or Defibrillators: rTMS may not be suitable for a person with a pacemaker or defibrillator because of the magnetic coil used. Consult your physician.
- People who are Pregnant: Out of an abundance of caution, people who are pregnant are asked to avoid rTMS treatment for depression until after they deliver.
- Those with Significant Suicidal Ideation: Again, out of an abundance of caution, anyone currently experiencing serious suicidal ideations should avoid rTMS treatment as well as using special care with any psychiatric medications.
Innovative Solutions for Treatment-Resistant Depression and More
If you or someone you know is living with depression and has not responded well to conventional antidepressants, BrainHealth Solutions can help. Our modern, evidence-based treatments for depression include rTMS and Saint TMS, among others. Whether your depression is of the treatment-resistant variety or not, we can be of service.
BrainHealth Solutions offers rTMS therapy in Costa Mesa, Riverside, and surrounding areas in California. Please reach out to us today at (949) 779-3587 to learn more about our treatment options or to book an appointment.
