What Is TMS Therapy?  

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What Is TMS Therapy?  

TMS Therapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, is a non-invasive form of treatment for major depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues. It has been used for decades to treat these conditions in the United States and around the world.  

Many people have experienced positive results from this type of therapy, and it can be an effective way to treat depression and anxiety without relying on medications or invasive procedures. Let’s take a closer look at how TMS works and why it may be beneficial for those suffering from mental health issues. 

A Brief History of TMS 

Blog Introduction: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary method of treating a variety of neurological conditions. It has been used since the 1980s to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In this article, we will take a look at the history of TMS and how it has developed over the years. 

The first experimental use of TMS was conducted in 1985 by Anthony Barker, a British neurologist. He discovered that when an electrical current was applied to certain areas of the brain, it could produce changes in mood and behavior. This discovery led to further research into the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on various neurological conditions.  

In 1989, Andrew Leuchter and his colleagues at UCLA began conducting experiments with depressed patients using TMS. These experiments showed promising results for these patients who had not responded to conventional treatments such as antidepressants. Over time, more and more studies were conducted that demonstrated the efficacy of TMS in treating depression and other mental health issues.  

In 2008, the FDA approved TMS as a safe and effective treatment for major depressive disorder in adults who had not responded to other treatments such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. Since then, there have been numerous clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of TMS for treating many different disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, addiction, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), stroke-related motor impairment, bipolar disorder and more. 

How Does TMS Work? 

TMS works by sending magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that are responsible for mood regulation. These pulses stimulate nerve cells in the targeted area and can help improve mood by increasing levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.  

The procedure itself is relatively straightforward. A specialized machine is used to send magnetic energy through a coil placed against the head. This energy passes through the scalp safely, stimulating nerve cells in a specific area of the brain that has been identified as associated with depression or anxiety. The procedure typically lasts 45 minutes per session and can be done up to five times per week over a period of 6-8 weeks depending on individual needs. 

Benefits of TMS Therapy 

TMS offers many benefits for those suffering from mental health issues such as major depression disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), bipolar disorder (BD) as well as for individuals who are not responding to medication or psychotherapy alone.   

It is non-invasive, does not require any sedation or hospitalization, has virtually no side effects outside mild headaches during treatment sessions which usually pass quickly afterward, produces long-lasting results even after treatment ends, and is covered by most insurance plans making it an affordable option for many people looking for relief from their symptoms without resorting to highly addictive drugs or invasive procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).  

TMS Therapy offers hope to those suffering from various forms of depression and anxiety as well as other mental health issues. It has been proven safe and effective with few side effects when administered under the care of a qualified specialist. If you are looking for an alternative treatment option to medication or psychotherapy alone, then TMS could be right for you! Speak with your doctor today about whether TMS therapy may be beneficial in treating your condition so you can get back on track toward leading a healthier life!