About TMS Therapy for Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for people with depression who have not seen satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medications. Manlove Brain + Body Health (MB+BH) is the first clinic in western South Dakota to offer this novel, effective, FDA-approved treatment.
Using pulsed magnetic fields, TMS therapy treats depression by stimulating the part of the brain believed to be involved in mood regulation.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an outpatient procedure that does not require sedation or anesthesia. The TMS technician sets a plastic coil on the patient’s head, which sends magnetic pulses through the skull and 2-3 centimeters into the brain. The magnetic pulses stimulate specific parts of the brain so only the tissue involved in mood regulation is affected. The magnetic pulses are similar to the ones used by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. Patients can drive themselves home or return to work after receiving TMS therapy.
Who is a good candidate for TMS therapy?
Have you tried several medications for depression without success? Recent studies have shown that for 30% of depression sufferers, their disease does not respond to antidepressant medication. If you have tried and failed four antidepressants, you’re probably in this group. TMS is an important option to consider for treatment resistant depression.
You could be feeling better in as little as 6 weeks.
70% of our patients have an excellent response.
TMS Therapy Reviews
Hear from a few MB+BH patients about their experience with TMS treatment at Manlove Brain and Body Health below.
I have been dealing with depression since High School, and I retired in 2008. One day, something “clicked” in my brain, and I stopped being the confident, happy person I normally was. I had to deal with extra tiredness, anxiety, and a depressed mood. I lost my passion for life at a critical time when I should have been out developing my life skills.
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However, since I was not severely depressed, I was able to put on my acting face each day and try my best to conquer the obstacles of life. I always blamed the circumstances or difficult people for my distress and anxiety. I always thought my next stage in life would make me happy, but it never did. I tried medications, and they helped me out for a number of years.
Once I retired, the depression (although treated with medication) seemed to get worse, and I became more withdrawn socially. I read about TMS treatment done on a patient in the Rapid City Journal with Dr. Manlove. Rather than get on higher doses of medication, I thought I should give it a try. It seemed like a strange therapy, and I didn’t think it was going to work on me. However, after about 4 weeks, something “clicked” in my brain. It was in the fall of the year, and all of a sudden, the leaves on the trees appeared more brilliant and beautiful, and I started becoming more social.
I am now working part-time, following my passions in life. I take each day as it comes. I now enjoy interacting with different people, and I am more patient. I still have my share of rough patches in life, but I feel more resilient. I do get down occasionally, but so far, I have been able to find my happiness again.
If you don’t want to take a lot of medication or if medication does not work for you, you should try Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression.
— RL
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications, or those for whom antidepressants have been unsuccessful?
Yes. Since TMS is not a medication it does not circulate in the bloodstream and cause unwanted side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, or nausea. TMS has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of patients with depression who have not had satisfactory improvement with antidepressant medications.
Are there other groups of patients who should especially consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS addresses all kinds of depression (both treatment resistant and non-treatment resistant) and is a good option in special situations such as
- People who have failed several antidepressants
- During pregnancy, when medications can’t be taken because they might harm the developing fetus
- Older adults who can’t tolerate drug side effects
- People with complicated medication regimes who want to avoid drug interactions
- Anyone who prefers not to take medications
- When TMS has been successful in the past
Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy have any side effects?
The most commonly reported side effects during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort. These potential side effects were typically mild to moderate, and were less common after the first week of treatment. During clinical trials, less than 5% of patients treated with TMS discontinued treatment due to side effects. If necessary, headaches from TMS can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. If the side effects persist, the strength of the TMS pulses can be temporarily reduced to ensure the comfort of the patient.
What are the potential risks of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy?
In clinical practices there have been rare reports of seizures. These instances of seizures were associated with the use of Wellbutrin or alcohol. To help mitigate this risk, patients are asked to stop the use of Wellbutrin before beginning TMS and to abstain from alcohol during the course of their TMS treatment. Rarely, patients may develop manic symptoms during TMS.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
No. While both procedures are effective in treating depression, TMS is very different from ECT. During TMS therapy, the patient is awake and alert throughout the entire treatment. No sedation is necessary with TMS treatment, and patients are able to safely transport themselves to and from therapy. Patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately after TMS treatments. There were no negative impacts on memory or concentration reported with TMS therapy.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy right for me?
While TMS therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression, not all patients will benefit from it. Patients should be carefully monitored during the course of their treatment for worsening symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual behaviors. Families and caregivers should be involved in monitoring the TMS patient, and be able to notify the patient’s treatment provider of any sudden changes in mood or behavior. Patients should discuss with their doctor the potential risks and benefits of TMS therapy, and make the best treatment decision for them.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) covered by insurance?
TMS is covered by most health insurance plans after the patient has failed at least 4 antidepressant medications.