When someone is struggling with depression, antidepressant medication is often one of the first treatment options considered. For many people, medication can be helpful. For others, antidepressants may not provide enough relief, may cause unwanted side effects, or may require trying multiple medications and dosages before finding the right fit.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a different approach.
Unlike antidepressant medications, which circulate throughout the body, TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic stimulation to target specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Understanding the differences between TMS and antidepressants can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about your options for treating depression.
How Do Antidepressants Work?
Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and several other mental health conditions. Different types of antidepressants work in different ways, but many affect chemical signaling in the brain involving neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Antidepressants are typically taken daily. Depending on the medication and the individual, it may take several weeks to determine how well a medication is working.
For some patients, finding an effective medication and dosage can involve trying more than one treatment under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Depending on the medication and individual, antidepressants may cause side effects such as nausea, changes in sleep, fatigue, weight changes, or sexual side effects.
How Does TMS Work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation takes a different approach to treating depression.
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted mood-regulating brain circuits.
During treatment, a clinician positions a magnetic coil against the scalp and delivers repetitive magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain.
TMS does not require anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake during treatment and can typically return to their normal daily activities afterward.
Because TMS does not involve medication circulating throughout the body, it does not have the same systemic side-effect profile associated with antidepressant medications. Common side effects of TMS can include temporary scalp discomfort or headache during or following treatment.
When Is TMS Considered for Depression?
TMS may be considered for people with depression who have not experienced adequate improvement from antidepressant medication or who have difficulty tolerating medication.
This is sometimes referred to as treatment-resistant depression.
Not getting the results you hoped for from medication does not necessarily mean there are no other treatment options available.
Eligibility for TMS depends on factors including diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments, and insurance requirements. A clinical evaluation can help determine whether TMS is an appropriate treatment option.
Can You Take Antidepressants While Receiving TMS?
TMS does not automatically replace medication. Treatment plans vary based on the individual, their medical history, symptoms, and recommendations from their healthcare providers.
In many cases, patients may receive TMS while continuing antidepressant medication.Patients should never stop or change an antidepressant medication without speaking with their prescribing provider.
TMS can also be incorporated into a broader mental health treatment plan that may include psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle support, and other forms of care.
TMS Treatment Options at SEPA TMS
SEPA TMS offers multiple TMS treatment protocols, allowing patients to identify an approach that is appropriate for their individual needs and treatment plan. A consultation with the SEPA TMS team can help determine which treatment approach is appropriate based on the patient’s needs, medical history, and previous treatment experience.
Standard TMS
- Traditional FDA-cleared protocol
- Sessions typically last about 15 minutes or less
- 36 treatments, starting with 5 daily treatments for 6 weeks
- Delivers repetitive magnetic stimulation to targeted mood-regulating brain circuits
- Backed by extensive long-term research data
Standard TMS provides the traditional treatment approach with sessions delivered over several weeks.
Theta Burst TMS (iTBS)
Theta Burst TMS, also known as intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation or iTBS, uses a different stimulation pattern.
- FDA-cleared protocol
- Approximately 3-minute sessions
- 36 treatments, starting with 5 daily treatments for 6 weeks
- Uses patterned, high-frequency bursts that mimic natural brain rhythms, known as theta waves
- Designed to deliver comparable therapeutic stimulation with shorter treatments
The shorter session length can make iTBS an appealing option for patients looking to fit treatment more easily into their daily schedules.
Accelerated Protocol
SEPA TMS also offers an accelerated 5-day treatment option.
- FDA-cleared accelerated protocol
- Approximately 9-minute sessions
- 50 Theta Burst treatments over 5 days
- Uses patterned, high-frequency bursts that mimic natural brain rhythms, known as theta waves
Rather than completing treatment sessions over several weeks, the Accelerated Protocol delivers multiple Theta Burst treatments each day over five days.
Which Is Better: TMS or Antidepressants?
There is no single depression treatment that is best for everyone.
Antidepressants remain an important treatment option for many people. TMS provides another evidence-based approach, particularly for patients who have not experienced adequate improvement with medication or who have struggled with medication side effects.
If one approach has not provided the relief you hoped for, it may be worth discussing additional treatment options with a qualified healthcare provider.
TMS Treatment in Southeastern Massachusetts
SEPA TMS provides TMS treatment for patients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, including those in and around:
Randolph, Brockton, Braintree, Quincy, Taunton, and surrounding communities.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
If antidepressants have not provided the results you hoped for, or you would simply like to learn more about whether TMS could be an option, our team is available to answer your questions. Choose a day and time that works for you and speak directly with a TMS therapy coordinator.
During your consultation, you can learn more about TMS, discuss the different treatment protocols available at SEPA TMS, and get answers to your questions about taking the next step.
Book your free 15-minute consultation:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/694192f9/appointment/92025967/calendar/13953677?locations=We%20Will%20Call%20You