TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Daniel Hageman
We’ve come a long way since transcranial magnetic stimulation was first FDA cleared in 2008. Its efficacy and benefits are being proven in research papers from all around the globe; it is also being studied as a possible treatment for all kinds of illnesses from Tinnitus to Epilepsy. Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center concluded that the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation seems to be effective for the long-term treatment of major depression[1]. “The results of the follow-up study further support TMS as a viable treatment option for patients with major depression who have not responded to conventional antidepressant medications” according to Dr. Philip G. Janicak, study principal investigator.
We’ve come a long way since transcranial magnetic stimulation was first FDA cleared in 2008. Its efficacy and benefits are being proven in research papers from all around the globe; it is also being studied as a possible treatment for all kinds of illnesses from Tinnitus to Epilepsy.
Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center concluded that the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation seems to be effective for the long-term treatment of major depression[1]. “The results of the follow-up study further support TMS as a viable treatment option for patients with major depression who have not responded to conventional antidepressant medications” according to Dr. Philip G. Janicak, study principal investigator.
Another study presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s 2013 Annual Meeting showed that acute TMS induced “statistically and clinically meaningful response and remission” and that these results were maintained at 52 weeks.
“I think this will really be impressive for confirming the long-term durability of this effect to potential payers. This is exciting times for psychiatrists and patients, who have a new treatment option to pursue” – Study investigator Linda L. Carpenter, MD, professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, and chief, Mood Disorders Program, Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
“All relationships are unique, therefore all recovery is individual”
Studies are showing promising results for patients suffering from major depression. However, the truth of the matter is that there is no depression treatment that will work the same for everybody. We asked our patient care coordinator here at TMS NeuroHealth Centers, Kelli Cefalu, to explain what determines if a patient requires maintenance visits after completing their TMS therapy sessions. “Unfortunately there is no ‘science’ behind who will relapse and who will not,” says Ms. Cefalu noting that the percentage of patients requiring follow up visits is small compared to those who do not. Ms. Cefalu explains further that some patients need 1 or 2 “booster” sessions from time to time; some do weekly maintenance, some monthly, some not at all.
The reasons why patients might relapse after TMS therapy are many. Ms. Cefalu advises that “TMS is not a miracle cure. Lifestyle choices are very important for long term results. Diet, exercise, healthy sleeping habits, healthy relationships, boundaries, keeping up with therapist/psychiatrist, yoga, meditation, etc… One must take care of themselves after treatment.”
So while TMS therapy is showing exciting new advances and long term benefits for the treatment of depression, patients need to ensure that they have the right support system during and after treatment.
Is TMS therapy right for me?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, most commonly known as TMS therapy, is used in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from one prior antidepressant medication at or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode. It is contraindicated in patients with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head. Please discuss this with a TMS NeuroHealth Center staff member.
How does TMS therapy work?
A typical TMS Therapy treatment session is a short outpatient procedure that lasts about 30-40 minutes. During treatment, patients relax in the treatment chair and remain awake and alert. At all times, patients are able to speak with the physician or staff. After the treatment, patients can immediately return to their normal routine, including driving.
Take our 6 question quiz to see if TMS therapy could be right for you
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