Is TMS The Right Treatment for Your Depression?
When it comes to treating depression in the 21st century — you will be presented with a range of options. It can be difficult to know where to begin. Which form of depression treatment will be most effective for you or your loved one?
The best place to begin is by gaining a basic understanding of each of the major depression treatment options and their pros and cons.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS is a non-invasive treatment that works by stimulating nerve cells in the brain using magnetic fields. Treating depression is the most common therapeutic use of TMS treatment — however, it’s also shown to be effective for several other mental health conditions, like anxiety disorders for example.
TMS and SaintTMS are targeted treatments that focus on specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. Using magnetic fields to stimulate these areas has been clinically proven effective in treating depression.
A double-blind study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine found Saint TMS therapy to be effective in treating depression in almost 80% of participants in the study. Other studies into conventional TMS found that more than ⅓ of participants had their Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) go into full remission.
Pros of treating depression with TMS:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation often works for people with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) for whom two or more antidepressants didn’t provide sufficient symptom relief.
- TMS does not produce the negative side effects associated with antidepressants, like sexual dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and sleep problems.
- TMS does not interact with (other) medications the way many antidepressants may.
- TMS is also effective in treating other conditions that may co-occur with depression, such as anxiety disorders or Parkinson’s Disease.
- TMS offers a non-pharmacological depression treatment option for people who prefer to avoid pharmaceutical drugs wherever possible.
Cons of treatment depression with TMS:
- Like antidepressants, TMS doesn’t offer immediate symptom relief. It may take 4-6 weeks of treatment to see full results.
- TMS does require a series of short outpatient clinic visits, versus swallowing a pill at home.
- TMS may cost more than an antidepressant prescription (though both TMS and antidepressants may be covered under health insurance).
- Like antidepressants, TMS is not necessarily effective for everyone — though TMS has an excellent track record and often works when antidepressants do not.
- TMS may have some side effects, such as mild headaches, dizziness, or light-headedness after treatment.
Treating Depression with SSRIs, SSNRIs, and Other Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications like Cymbalta (Duloxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), Celexa (Citalopram), and Prozac (fluoxetine) are among the most popular treatments for major depressive disorders today. There’s a good reason for this — many people find at least some symptom relief with these medications.
However, antidepressant meds don’t always relieve depression symptoms. People who have tried two or more antidepressants for an appropriate period of time under medical supervision and did not find adequate relief from their depression symptoms may be said to have what’s called Treatment-Resistant Depression. Antidepressants also have negative side effects for some patients, including weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Pros of treating depression with antidepressants:
- Antidepressants can be cost-effective, especially with generic medications.
- Patients can take medication and get on with their day, few appointments are needed.
- Antidepressants don’t require any effort from the patient, aside from following the regimen.
Cons of treating depression with antidepressants:
- Unwanted side effects, like sexual dysfunction and weight gain, are somewhat common.
- Antidepressants don’t work for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
- Antidepressant medications sometimes lose effectiveness over time (years).
Which is Better? TMS Therapy or Antidepressants?
One of the advantages of choosing TMS therapy for depression is that this revolutionary treatment is compatible with other approaches. In other words, you do not have to limit yourself to one treatment. For example, if antidepressant medication is providing you with some relief, but it’s just not enough — you can continue to take your medication and receive TMS for depression at the same time.
The same rule applies to psychotherapy of course — TMS depression treatment is compatible with talk therapy or medication. Indeed, some of our clients use all three. The most important thing is that you get the relief you seek and that your mental health care providers are all on the same page and aware of your current regimen.
So the answer to the question we posed above is that the best treatment for you — is the one that offers the most symptom relief with the least unwanted side effects. For many people that will be TMS alone. For others, it will be a combination of TMS and psychotherapy or medication or even all three.
BrainHealth Solutions: Advanced Treatment for Depression with TMS
If you or a loved one is grappling with depression — BrainHealth Solutions can be of service to you. Our modern, evidence-based TMS treatments for depression deliver real results – without the downsides of traditional psychiatric medications.
BrainHealth Solutions provides TMS treatment for depression in Costa Mesa, Riverside, and surrounding areas in California. We have helped hundreds gain the upper hand on depression and take back their lives — we welcome the opportunity to help you as well.
Call us today at (949) 779-3587 to learn more about TMS for depression or to book an appointment.
