Depressed VS. After TMS
TMS For Major Depression
Clinical Depression (also known as Major Depression) is serious, debilitating, and sometimes even life-threatening. Many people who suffer from depression may respond very well to medications, while others may not. Each time someone tries a medication that does not work, the chances of the next medication working goes down. By the third medication trial failure, medical studies have shown there is a more effective treatment: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an entirely new approach to treating Major Depression. In clinical trials, TMS has been proven to be safe and effective. The FDA (the government agency that approves medical treatments) has approved it for treating Major Depressive Disorder when medications don’t work. It is well tolerated, and the effects are usually long lasting. It has been used in research for over 30 years. Here at Southeastern Psychiatric Associates, we use a protolcol called rTMS or Repetitive Transcranaial Magnetic Stimulation.
What is Treatment Like?
Treatments are done in our Randolph offices. They take about 37 minutes. The patient settles into a reclining chair, and a small magnetic coil is placed against the left side of the forehead. When the treatment begins, the patient hears a clicking noise and experiences a sensation like a finger being firmly tapped on the forehead. Sometimes the patient’s eyebrow twitches, but this usually goes away. The patient remains fully awake and can watch TV or chat with someone in the room. The treatment does not cause any disorientation or cognitive problems, so the patient can immediately resume normal activities, like driving home or going to work. There is a very small chance (1 in 1000) of a seizure occurring during the treatment session. We always have a doctor in the office in case of such an unlikely event.