People between 18 and 29 are more prone to developing depression than others, and over 23% of Westlake’s population are younger than 29. The first step to getting help with depression is to schedule an appointment with your primary physician.
If they determine that you would benefit from TMS treatment in Westlake, they will recommend a course of therapy. Your primary therapist may also refer you to a psychiatrist who can monitor your progress during TMS sessions and determine if additional treatments are necessary.
TMS treatments
Before the actual TMS session begins, the patient will receive an MRI scan within 12 months to rule out any medical conditions likely to trigger depression symptoms.
The treatment consists primarily of 60-minute sessions about five times per week for four to six weeks, but it may vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated.
The TMS machine sends rapid-fire magnetic pulses to a specific brain area, significantly reducing depressive symptoms in some people.
Note that the FDA approves TMS therapy only for patients who have not had good results with antidepressant medications. If you want to understand how TMS works and learn more about this non-invasive treatment option, contact a TMS specialist directly.
How much would TMS therapy cost?
The total cost of TMS sessions can vary depending upon several factors, including the amount of time required for each session and if other medications are necessary. However, most patients who undergo TMS treatment take advantage of their benefits through insurance companies or a military healthcare plan.
What are the benefits of TMS therapy?
Westlake recorded four suicidal deaths in 2021. While many antidepressants effectively reduce depressive symptoms, they typically take several weeks to become fully effective.
TMS therapy can provide immediate relief from depressive symptoms without dealing with any side effects common with antidepressants. Some of the possible benefits of TMS include:
- Less time spent suffering due to depression
- Improved relationships and enjoyment in life
- Increased cognitive functions
- Fewer or no side effects compared to antidepressant medications
The main concern of patients looking into treatments for their depression is whether or not it will work. Fortunately, there have been over 100 clinical studies on TMS therapy that prove its effectiveness.
How to prepare for a TMS therapy session
If you are considering undergoing TMS therapy, it is essential to take note of some measures. Do not wear any metallic clothing such as zips or jewellery that may interfere with the magnetic pulses. Also, it is suggested that patients do not drink alcohol within 24 hours before their session because it can affect blood flow in some people. Since you will be under the machine’s magnet during your TMS sessions, make sure to let your doctor know if any parts of your body have magnets inside them (such as pacemakers or artificial hips). There may be slight physical discomfort with each pulse during treatment, but overall, most patients experience no pain. For a list of precautions and possible side effects, refer to websites of clinics offering TMS treatment in Westlake.
What are your chances of getting better?
There have been over 100 psychological clinical research studies conducted on the effectiveness of TMS therapy, with most showing significant improvement in depressive symptoms for most people who completed the course of treatment.
About 70% to 80% of people experience some relief from their depressive symptoms with this non-invasive therapy. Depending upon your specific condition, you may benefit more than others. So there are high chances of getting better.
How effective is it and how much improvement can you expect to see?
The FDA has approved TMS therapy for patients who have not enjoyed the benefits of antidepressant medications. The treatment is considered safe and effective and delivers immediate relief from depressive symptoms without serious side effects.
Most TMS patients are treated five days a week for four to six weeks, but it can vary depending on your condition. Depending upon the severity of your depression, you may see significant improvement in as little as two weeks, or it can take up to three months before noticing any changes.
TMS therapy is usually an outpatient procedure, and you don’t have to stay in a hospital or facility to complete therapy.
What are the side effects of treatment, and how should you prepare?
When undergoing TMS therapy, there may be some discomfort felt with each pulse, but most people experience no pain. It is best to take over-the-counter medications before treatment for any discomfort or if you have a headache.
Wrapping up
After your course of TMS therapy concludes, you should continue taking your medication (if prescribed) because this will help extend your results after treatment has ended.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
