With mental health disorders, especially major depression, being such a widespread concern around the world and affecting so many millions, traditional treatment involving medication and therapy works well for many people. However, a large number of people find little or no relief despite trying different approaches. For such cases, alternative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation give new hope. TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms for individuals with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Read through to understand what TMS therapy entails, its benefits, who it’s suitable for, and the science behind its success.

TMS Therapy

Many wonder what Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is a treatment approach developed to treat mental health conditions with the use of stimulation in key areas of the brain associated with mood control. The process involves the placement of a magnetic coil on the patient’s head, through which magnetic pulses are applied directly into the prefrontal cortex (an area considered to play an important role in mood and emotions).

The magnetic pulses induce electrical currents that stimulate neurons, helping to rebalance the brain’s activity and therefore ameliorate symptoms of depression and other conditions. First introduced in the 1980s, intensive research on TMS has been conducted ever since, with many trials attesting to its efficacy in the treatment of various disorders, most notably major depressive disorder (MDD). Today, TMS therapy is firmly established as a safe and effective modality.

How TMS Works

In the course of treatment with TMS, an electromagnetic coil is applied to the scalp, most often above the left prefrontal cortex. When the coil is activated, magnetic fields pass through the skull into the surface of the brain, rousing the neurons in the targeted area. Small electrical currents caused by the magnetic pulses stimulate brain cells to fire up and communicate more properly.

The stimulation process generally takes 20-40 minutes per treatment session, during which the patient remains fully awake and alert. Unlike ECT, TMS doesn’t require anesthesia, and patients are able to go back to their routine activities immediately after the treatment. A full course of TMS therapy often consists of 20-30 sessions in a 4- to 6-week time span, each incrementally working to raise overall mental well-being by lowering symptoms.

Conditions Treated with TMS Therapy

TMS is, however, mainly known for treating major depressive disorder. It’s particular cases in which patients have proven unresponsive to medications or other therapies. Other mental health conditions for which TMS therapy is promising and is currently being studied include:

  • Anxiety Disorders – Evidence indicates that TMS may improve symptoms of generalized anxiety and panic disorders by activating structures responsible for emotional control.
  • OCD – TMS has recently been FDA-approved for OCD. Preliminary results point to a modest reduction in symptoms.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – While still being researched, TMS has been shown to help some patients manage their symptoms of PTSD by stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for stress and fear reactions.

Other studies are looking at whether TMS is an effective treatment for people with bipolar disorder and chronic pain. The preliminary results from these studies are promising and could be helpful for some people.

Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Some unique advantages TMS therapy has over traditional treatments for mental health conditions include:

High Success Rates for Treatment-Resistant Depression

TMS has been reported to have a very high success rate for patients who have not responded to medications or psychotherapy. Studies have indicated that 50-60% of patients with treatment-resistant major depression respond positively to TMS, with many showing significant mood elevations and reduction in symptoms.

Non-Invasive with Minimal Side Effects

Unlike more invasive treatments, TMS therapy does not require any type of sedation or surgery. The common side effects usually are mild, consisting of minor scalp discomfort or headache, which generally dissipates within a few sessions. Notably, TMS hasn’t been associated with memory loss or impairment of the cognitive functions, as has sometimes been observed with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Improved Quality of Life in the Long Term

Many patients report that the improvements in mood and functionality continue long after a course of TMS therapy has been completed. Some of the benefits include mental clarity, higher energy levels, and a more positive outlook toward life, which afford a better quality of life to those who suffer from chronic mental health ailments.

Who is the Best Candidate for TMS Therapy?

While TMS therapy is effective, it’s not suitable for everyone. Ideally, candidates usually meet the following criteria:

Treatment-Resistant Depressed Patients

TMS is particularly useful in patients who have failed to respond to one or even two classes of antidepressants.

People with Certain Mental Health Conditions

TMS is indicated for depression and OCD only. Other uses are likely still under investigation. The patient should speak to a professional to learn if TMS is indicated for that specific issue.

Good Health Adults

Generally, TMS is indicated for adults without certain contraindications, including metal implants in the head. For example, aneurysm clips or cochlear implants; a history of seizures; and other neurological conditions which may be altered possibly by magnetic stimulation.

For patients meeting these criteria, TMS can be a powerful tool for achieving improvements in mental health when other treatments have failed.

Understanding the TMS Therapy Process: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Understanding what will be involved in the process can help to alleviate any anxiety and allow for realistic expectations for those considering TMS therapy as an option. From preparatory steps through the sessions themselves, and then post-treatment care, each is designed with one target in mind: patient comfort and the best possible therapeutic results. Here is a closer look at what to expect on the TMS therapy journey.

Preparation before treatment

All patients undergo an initial consultation before starting TMS therapy to determine their eligibility and also to find the optimal stimulation settings; this includes finding the motor threshold or the amount of magnetic field strength needed to stimulate the brain without causing discomfort.

During a TMS Session

Patients will sit in a comfortable chair during the procedure and the trained technician will apply magnetic coil to the head. Most patients report that magnetic pulses induce feelings of a gentle tap on the scalp. The sessions may vary in length between 20-40 minutes, during which time the patient can just relax, read, or listen to music.

After the Treatment

There is no downtime required after treatment, and the patient can resume daily activities immediately. Results are generally felt gradually, but these usually become more apparent toward the end of the treatment course. Follow-ups are normally made regularly to assess changes and further modify treatment accordingly.

The Science and Research Supporting TMS

TMS is grounded in a solid foundation of neuroscience and clinical research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that depression is often accompanied by decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in the regulation of mood and emotions. With this kind of stimulation, TMS helps to “reset” brain activity so that it supports healthier emotional processing and reduces symptoms of depression.

The clinical literature strikes one as showing quite unequivocally that TMS is effective in treating a considerable number of patients with treatment-resistant major depression. A meta-analysis from Harvard Medical School has concluded that TMS is safe and effective, and that many patients experience marked improvement in their mood. It has been further found that TMS benefits are sustainable over the longer term, meaning it can confer long-term benefits to some patients.

Comparison of TMS with Other Therapies

Medications

Though antidepressants work well for many, they don’t suit everyone and may have side effects such as weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual dysfunction. TMS offers an alternative for those who don’t tolerate medications well.

Talk Therapy

Psychotherapy remains valuable but may not be sufficient for severe depression cases. TMS can be used alongside talk therapy to support deeper recovery.

ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy is effective but has more risks associated with it and requires sedation. TMS, on the other hand, provides similar benefits but with a much lower risk profile.

Frequently Asked Questions about TMS

Is TMS Therapy Safe?

Yes, TMS is FDA-cleared, and it has a very good safety profile; side effects are usually mild and of short duration.

How Soon Will I See The Results?

Most patients begin to feel an improvement after a few weeks of treatment, although some may be able to experience benefits earlier.

How Long Does the Treatment Last?

A typical course of treatment is about 20-30 sessions over 4-6 weeks with follow-up sessions sometimes required.

What are the Side Effects?

The common side effects are mild, including headache or a slight discomfort of the scalp, which usually subside after the first few treatments.

Concluding Thoughts

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, effective, and accessible treatment for people with treatment-resistant mental health disorders. Using magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, TMS can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related disorders, even bringing about life-changing improvement for so many. With further research, the role that TMS plays in mental health treatment will surely only continue to grow in the coming years and hold even more promise for those seeking alternative treatments.