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How Does TMS Work?

Mental health is an essential aspect of one’s overall well-being, and depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, traditional treatments like medications and talk therapy may not always work as effectively as one would hope. That’s where transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy comes in. TMS has become an increasingly popular option for treatment-resistant depression, providing a non-invasive and effective alternative to traditional treatments.

New Directions Mental Health offers TMS therapy in the Pittsburgh, PA, area for clients seeking an effective and non-invasive treatment for depression. Our team provides personalized care and support, ensuring clients receive the best possible treatment. Call us today at 724.374.7414, and we can also help answer your question about “How does TMS work?” and help you understand the potential benefits of this treatment.

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS targets specific areas of the brain that are hypoactive or underactive, leading to depression and other mental health conditions. Unlike traditional treatments, TMS does not require anesthesia, and clients can resume their daily routine immediately after each session.

TMS is a relatively new treatment, but it has been proven effective for clients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. TMS therapy has a low risk of side effects, making it an attractive alternative to medication and talk therapy for depression.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS works by strategically stimulating specific brain regions associated with mood control and are often less active in people with depression. A magnetic coil is positioned on the client’s scalp, and electromagnetic pulses are sent through the coil to generate small electrical currents in the targeted area of the brain. These currents stimulate nerve cells and increase brain activity, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

The process is non-invasive, does not require anesthesia or sedation, and individuals are awake and alert throughout the treatment session. Over a series of sessions, the increased activity can significantly improve depression symptoms, offering a new lease on life for those who have found inadequate relief from traditional treatments.

Utilizing TMS Therapy for Depression

TMS therapy is an effective treatment for depression, especially for people who have not responded to traditional therapies. The treatment is relatively short, typically 20 to 30 minutes per session, and is conducted daily for four to six weeks. TMS is a non-invasive treatment. Individuals can resume their daily routine immediately after each session. Unlike medications, TMS therapy has a lower risk of side effects, and clients can avoid the risks associated with treatment-resistant depression.

For those suffering from treatment-resistant depression, TMS therapy offers an effective alternative to traditional treatments. It is a non-invasive procedure requiring minimal anesthesia or sedation and a lower risk of side effects. New Directions Mental Health provides TMS therapy for clients looking for an effective and non-invasive treatment for depression.

Benefits of TMS Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression

TMS therapy brings forth several benefits, especially for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression:

  • Non-invasive treatment – TMS therapy does not require any surgical intervention or anesthesia. The procedure involves a magnetic coil placed on the scalp to trigger nerve activity in the brain.
  • Effective – TMS therapy has been proven to be effective in treating depression, particularly in individuals who don’t respond well to traditional treatments such as medication or psychotherapy.
  • Low risk of side effects – Unlike many medications for depression, TMS therapy has a low risk of systemic side effects. Common side effects are generally mild and may include headache or scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
  • Improvement in quality of life – Many clients report a significant improvement in their quality of life, including enhanced mood, better sleep, and increased overall energy levels post-TMS therapy.
  • No interruption to daily routine – TMS therapy sessions typically last about 20-30 minutes, and clients can resume their regular activities immediately following treatment.

According to a Stanford University School of Medicine study, 80% of participants with severe depression experienced rapid remission after participating in TMS therapy. TMS therapy is an effective treatment for those seeking an alternative to traditional therapies. New Directions Mental Health is committed to offering comprehensive mental health treatment options to help individuals relieve their depression symptoms. In addition to TMS therapy, we provide counseling, psychotherapy, and medication management to ensure our clients find the most effective treatment for their unique needs.

Call New Directions Mental Health for More Information About TMS Therapy

Mental health is vital to one’s overall well-being, and depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. If you are wondering, “How does TMS work?” TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive brain stimulation technique proven effective in treating treatment-resistant depression. It works by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, increasing the activity level in specific regions and relieving depression symptoms.

The treatment has a lower risk of side effects, making it an attractive option for those who have not responded to traditional treatments. If you have depression and have not found relief from conventional treatments, TMS therapy may be a viable option.

Contact New Directions Mental Health today at 724.374.7414 to learn more about how TMS therapy can help you find relief from your depression symptoms.