Understanding The Pros and Cons of TMS Therapy

You've been dealing with a mental health issue for a while. You've tried a few therapies and medications, but nothing seems to be working. Now, you're weighing the advantages and disadvantages of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and, like many others, aren't sure if you have all the information you need to make a confident decision. Here's a look at the pros and cons of TMS therapy to help you decide how to move forward on your journey to wellness.

The Pros of TMS Therapy 

The most common use for TMS is to treat depression symptoms, but TMS can be used to treat other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and smoking cessation. TMS is a rapidly evolving medical field that will likely be used to treat many other conditions in the future, but more research needs to be done to gain further understanding, FDA clearance, and insurance coverage.

TMS Works When Other Treatments Don't

TMS therapy is FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who have failed to respond to one antidepressant (though insurance companies generally cover TMS only after a patient hasn't responded to at least two antidepressants). The TMS success rate is promising; one prominent multicenter study found that 70 percent of TMS patients experienced reduced symptoms, and 40 percent experienced full remission. These numbers reflect results solely among people who found medication ineffective, meaning TMS has proven successful among the majority of people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). 

For many people with TRD, TMS therapy succeeds where medication has failed. Among patients with MDD who have received TMS, three out of four have reported a reduction in depression symptoms after completing the acute phase of the procedure. Others may find the side effects of antidepressants intolerable, making TMS therapy a desirable option.

TMS Side Effects Are Minimal

TMS is generally well tolerated with few adverse consequences. The only side effect that is greater than a 5% risk is transient headache or site pain with initiating treatment. On the other hand, medications travel thru the body thus individuals are vulnerable to systemic side effects. For example, some antidepressants are known to cause weight gain, constipation, anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, sedation or insomnia and sexual dysfunction making compliance with antidepressant medication a challenge.

TMS Is an Opportunity for Self-Care

Some patients balk at the time commitment for TMS therapy—patients will have 30-36 sessions over six to nine weeks. However, many patients find the appointments to be relaxing, a scheduled time dedicated to attending to their own needs. When coming in for a treatment, you'll sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS therapy device is situated on your head. The device, which can be adjusted to your comfort, will deliver gentle magnetic pulses to the brain regions known to be directly associated with mood regulation. After a 20-minute treatment session, you can immediately return to your normal routine.

The technicians do everything they can to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing experience. "I had wonderful technicians who were so good at explaining everything to me," says Josie, a Greenbrook TMS patient. "They were kind and entertaining, making every 20-minute session go by quickly. I felt like we were a team."

The Cons of TMS Therapy: 

TMS is a lifeline to many people who feel like they are out of options, but not everyone has an easy time with TMS therapy. Hurdles like insurance, contraindications, and barriers to access can be frustrating for patients who might otherwise enjoy the benefits of TMS.

Insurance Can Be Tricky

TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance companies for MDD if you have tried and failed at least two antidepressants. Because TMS is more expensive than most antidepressants, insurance companies typically won't authorize payment if TMS is the first-line therapy. 

That being said, Greenbrook helps manage the insurance process for you. Throughout the process, you'll work with a patient consultant to find the status of your insurance requests. You'll know what your benefits inquiry is when you start so your payments are predictable, and this allows you to make an informed choice about what's best for you. If your insurance does not cover TMS, Greenbrook can help you find third-party financing.

TMS Isn't Recommended For Everyone

TMS may be complicated or contraindicated for people with certain conditions. TMS's use of magnetic fields can have negative consequences for people with metal implanted above their neckline. The magnetic field won't pass through metal, and it can also cause the metal to get hot. Other things that could complicate TMS include brain tumors, implanted devices, and a history of seizures. Many of these issues can be accommodated, so be sure to see an experienced TMS provider who may be able to work around your specific case before you decide that TMS won't work for you.

Some Face Accessibility Issues

Behavioral health care in rural areas remains a problem in the United States. Because TMS is a relatively new treatment, even if you are not in a rural area, you may have trouble finding a treatment center near you.

Greenbrook providers recognize that TMS therapy needs to be convenient, so they've established centers where it's easier for people to visit. The goal is to avoid causing someone to drive hours to receive TMS therapy for depression. Greenbrook is constantly expanding to bring TMS therapy to those who need it. Patients can go to the website, which has a location finder, to can find the center nearest to your home.

No matter your situation, it's a smart idea to weigh the pros and cons of TMS therapy and seek the treatment that works best for you. If you're interested in learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of TMS for your specific situation, you can set up a free consultation, and a patient consultant will discuss any questions you may have.