TMS for the Treatment of Depression

Tms therapy

Depression is a devastating neurological disorder that effects nearly 19 million adults. TMS is a recently FDA approved treatment for adults with a major depressive disorder who have not experienced relief with drug therapies. TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy is a new choice for patients who have not responded well to anti depressants or their side effects.

Around a third of patients treated with traditional pharmacological interventions do not receive a relief from their depressive symptoms. Patients may also suffer from depression worsening side effects from these drugs. Common side effects of anti depressants include weight gain, insomnia, nausea and sexual dysfunction. These patients may find relief with application of TMS for depression.

TMS for depression is a non invasive procedure approved by the USFDA in 2008 for the treatment of major depressive disorders. TMS therapy involves the application of a metal coil to the patients scalp. The coil generates a magnetic field to stimulate neurons in the patients brain, this stimulation can help those with treatment resistant depression find relief.

TMS for depression is an outpatient procedure performed in a doctors office. Practitioners offering
TMS for depression will apply the metal coil to patients, the coil produces a concentrated but safe magnetic field in the patients brain. The coil is placed on the part of the head outside the prefrontal cortex, this part of the brain helps regulate mood. The magnetic stimulation of this region can jump start a patients brain into producing neurotransmitters that are lacking in those with major depressive disorders.

Patients seeking TMS for depression frequently saw an improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, 1 in 3 found complete relief of their symptoms. If you suffer from depression, your therapist or family doctor can refer you to a Tms los angeles facility. Talk to your mental healthcare provider to find out if TMS could relieve your depression.

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