What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and How Can It Help You?

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, almost 17 million Americans suffered from major depression in 2017. Of those 17 million, 11 million also experienced depression with severe impairment. 

Functional impairments can impact your ability to socialize and sustain yourself financially. A major depressive episode can reduce your quality of life and make it difficult to maintain relationships. That's why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice the signs of depression. 

At Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health, Dr. Hadi Estakhri offers evidence-based treatments to help you overcome depression. In addition to ketamine infusions, we also offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) so you can find relief. 

TMS has been used in clinical settings since 1985 as a treatment for several psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette syndrome, and depression. In 2008, the FDA announced that TMS is a safe and effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

Continue reading to learn more about TMS and how it can help you feel better.

How transcranial magnetic stimulation helps treat depression

During your session, Dr. E places an electromagnetic coil around your head. The coil releases magnetic pulses. Those pulses reduce the severity of depression symptoms by stimulating the area of your brain that regulates your mood. 

Relief without side effects

TMS is a non-drug treatment. This means you won’t have to deal with any side effects typically associated with depression medication. This is especially good news if your previous treatment methods weren’t providing the relief you need. While you might feel a slight clicking sensation during a TMS treatment, no downtime is required.

Using TMS in conjunction with other treatments

TMS reduces the symptoms of major depression, OCD, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The best part is you don’t need to choose TMS over another treatment. You can continue to use TMS in conjunction with other therapies, including talk therapy.

Reasons to consider TMS

You might be wondering if TMS really works? According to Harvard Health, about 50% to 60% of people with depression who failed to find relief with medications experienced a meaningful response with TMS.

Here are a few other reasons to consider TMS as a treatment:

• No injections: TMS treatments are non-invasive, which means you won’t need any injections. 
• No medication-related side effects: TMS is not a medication, so you won’t have to worry about side effects like nausea or increased hunger.
• Multi-uses: TMS is safe and effective for many conditions including OCD and depression. This is particularly useful if you have co-occurring disorders.

Keep in mind, TMS treatments aren't without their own side effects. Headaches are the most often cited side effects, but these reactions are usually minimal.

Need relief from depression symptoms? Consider TMS!

At Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health, we offer both adult and adolescent psychiatric services. Whether you’re struggling with depression, OCD, or PTSD, we are here to guide you with your next steps. 

If you’d like to learn more about TMS and how it can help you, schedule an appointment at our office in Newport Beach, California, by calling 949-258-7135. You can also request an appointment online.