Key Takeaways:
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment that does not involve medication and requires no recovery time.
- Accelerated TMS provides faster relief, usually providing results within just a few days.
- It’s not just for depression—TMS can also help with anxiety, OCD, PTSD, migraines, and quitting smoking. Currently we are offering treatment for Depression and OCD and will be adding TMS protocols in the near future for anxiety, ADHD, and more.
What is TMS?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved treatment that uses a magnetic pulse to activate areas of the brain that are responsible for mood and emotions. TMS is mainly used to treat depression—however, it also provides relief from anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and migraines. This treatment is non-invasive, meaning there are no needles, no anesthesia, it’s medication-free, and has no downtime, unlike other treatments that require anesthesia, surgical implants, or additional medication. TMS is a safer treatment compared to other therapies like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation that usually have side effects of memory loss, seizures, or other severe risks.
During the treatment, a small magnetic coil is placed against the scalp. The coil sends rapid pulses that help activate nerve cells in specific parts of the brain. Research shows that depression is a side effect of the brain not activating as it should. However, TMS can help reactivate these cells and provide relief.
TMS is usually given throughout a 6-week period, but for those with severe depression or who are looking for faster relief, accelerated TMS is a great alternative. It is the same treatment given with higher frequency and more frequent sessions. It consists of 50 sessions given in 5 days—meaning a total of 10 treatments a day and 3-10 minutes per session. This accelerated treatment gives faster results and saves time.
Benefits of TMS and Accelerated TMS
- Higher success rates especially for those who haven’t responded to traditional medications or therapy.
- Fewer side effects than other more invasive treatments.
- Non-invasive, medication-free, and a holistic approach.
- Lower dropout rates and faster results as it is easier and more convenient to receive treatment.
- Complementary or standalone as treatment can be combined with talk therapy, ketamine therapy, and existing medications.
If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or migraines, and haven’t found relief with traditional therapies, TMS can be an alternative treatment.
Lasting Relief
TMS is a step toward treatment for mental wellness, but it often includes continued care to experience lasting results. Most people experience relief for 6-12 months or longer after a complete session of rTMS. It is often recommended to incorporate talk therapy, medication, or even additional TMS sessions to provide lasting relief and elongate the benefits of TMS. Read more here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20965447/
Bluewater Psychiatry is the only TMS clinic in the state that offers accelerated TMS, and we’re the only IV Ketamine treatment center as well. For some, combining these two therapies can lead to even faster, longer-lasting results. Schedule a consultation to see if you are a candidate for these treatments.
FAQs
- What are the risks of TMS?
One can experience minimal side effects during treatment. Some patients experience headaches, scalp discomfort, or facial muscle twitching during the session. There are other rare side effects, including seizures or mania which are more commonly experienced by those with bipolar disorder.
- Does TMS hurt?
Most patients feel a tapping or tingling sensation on their heads, which can cause some discomfort but is not usually painful. Some people may feel a slight headache that usually goes away quickly after the session.
- What’s the difference between TMS and accelerated TMS?
Regular TMS treatments are usually spread out over 6 weeks or more. Accelerated TMS packs 50 sessions with higher frequency into 5 days, which provides faster results and makes it less of a burden for patients to take time out of their schedule to seek treatment.
- What usually happens during the session?
For the treatment sessions, you will sit in a comfortable chair with the coil placed against your scalp and wear earplugs to protect your ears from the sound. The coil will then begin to tap against your scalp in repeated patterns anywhere from 3-18 minutes with pauses in between.
- Can I continue taking other depression medications?
Yes! TMS is a non-invasive and medicine-free treatment that does not affect other medications or treatments. It is a great additional treatment to combine with any antidepressants, talk therapy, ketamine therapy, or other mental health treatments you’re already using.
Contact Bluewater Psychiatry
If you or a loved one are looking for a breakthrough treatment for mental wellness, contact Bluewater Psychiatry to learn more about TMS.