Living with depression is a difficulty millions of Americans experience and endure in their daily lives. From the first signs of depression, many people diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder struggle to regain control over their lives, often having to deal with the side effects of antidepressant medication, including but not limited to: nausea, weight gain, insomnia, sedate behavior, emotional blunting and sexual dysfunction.
For patients who don’t respond well to antidepressant medication or are sensitive to debilitating side effects, a safe and effective solution has recently been approved by the FDA – Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy (TMS therapy). Looking for alternatives to medication? TMS for depression may be the solution for you.
TMS therapy, approved by the USFDA in 2008, is a new and innovative treatment for depression that involves a safe, non-invasive approach. Using a metal coil that is placed on the scalp, Neurostar TMS utilizes advanced technology to generate a magnetic field that targets and stimulates neurons in parts of the brain associated with mood regulation. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure of 40-minute daily treatments over a period of four to six weeks. By utilizing TMS for depression, sufferers of treatment resistant depression can take advantage of a safe and effective procedure without risking the side effects of mood-altering medication.
The safety and efficacy of TMS for depression is proven through multiple studies. According to one study, approximately 1 in 2 patients partaking in TMS for depression experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, and 1 in 3 patients even experienced total relief from their depression. Also, unlike similar treatments such as Electrocompulsive therapy (ECT), patients involved in TMS therapy did not suffer side effects of memory impairment; the most common side effect involved discomfort on the part of the scalp where the treatment was administered. Overall, patients exhibiting clinical signs of depression experienced the safest and most efficient treatment under TMS therapy.
If the side effects of antidepressants are interfering with your ability to cope with your depression and live a happy, productive life, TMS for depression may be the answer for you. As the product of intensive research, the proven results of TMS therapy are undeniably positive. If you or any person you know suffers from the debilitating side effects of antidepressant medication, take the time to discover more about TMS for depression and find out why TMS therapy may be right for you.