TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Adrian Drew
Medically reviewed on 11/13/2020 by
Dr. Steven Harvey
St. Louis Regional Medical Director
Chronic stress is a prevalent issue in our busy and demanding world. Depression is also a common condition, with 16.1 million American adults experiencing major depression at any given time. But are stress and depression related? Stress is a generally a direct emotional response to what is happening in your life or the world around you.
Depression, on the other hand, is a health condition that develops over time due to a variety of factors, some related to life experiences, and some not. But the difference between stress and depression may not always be clear. In many cases, the symptoms of the two can overlap, and stress may even contribute to the development of depression.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is characterized by low mood and/or a lack of interest in things you would typically enjoy. Other symptoms may include changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulties around focusing. However, chronic stress, which lasts over a long period of time, can involve many symptoms that overlap with those of depression. These can include:
· Irritability
· Fatigue
· Inability to concentrate
· Insomnia
· Digestive issues
· Changes in appetite
· Low self-esteem
Chronic stress can cause a number of more serious, long-term issues. But are stress and depression related in a direct, causal way? The answer is not so straightfoward. Mayo Clinic states that "chronic stressful life situations can increase the risk of developing depression." Of course, increasing an individual's risk is not the same as direct causation, so the relation between stress and depression is more complicated, and it not completely understood.
Stress-induced depression is no less serious than other forms of the condition, and individuals experiencing depression symptoms should seek treatment. Keep in mind, too, that untreated depression can lead to higher stress levels, due to factors including increased cortisol, and the strains that depression can place on careers and relationships.
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Stress-related depression is treatable with the right form of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, is a therapy that seeks to help people by changing maladaptive thought patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven particularly useful in reducing the impact of stress for many individuals, and seeking therapy during stressful periods may help to prevent the development of depression. Antidepressant medication can also be helpful for people with depression. But don't feel disheartened if antidepressants aren't working for you.
You may have to try multiple medications before you find one that works, and even then, roughly one-third of people don't see relief after trying two medications. So, if medications aren't helping your symptoms, you're not alone—and you have other options, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. TMS therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive form of treatment for depression that seeks to mitigate symptoms by using gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate certain areas of the brain. With the right treatment and support, both stress and depression can be overcome through patience and commitment.
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