If you’re looking to try different forms of therapy to improve the symptoms of stubborn or long-term depression and anxiety, transcranial magnetic stimulation – also known as TMS – could be one of the solutions for you. People in Clearwater who are seeking help with depression can consider this increasingly popular form of treatment to make improvements to their lives. It involves targeting certain areas of the brain with short electrical pulses that help to improve the communication around your brain.
Here are some of the benefits of TMS therapy.
- Limited Side Effects
TMS therapy is not known for having extensive and prolonged side effects, which is one of the reasons why some people are more likely to try this form of treatment. Other popular forms of treatment used for depression, such as anti-depressant medication, can bring several side effects that last for the whole time you are taking the medication. However, while you may experience mild headaches and some discomfort, this is very unlikely to last longer than a few minutes after the TMS therapy session has taken place. - It is not an Addictive Treatment
If you’re concerned about trying a form of depression treatment that could become addictive, you don’t need to worry about that with TMS therapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is not addictive and, in some cases, can help people to combat substance addiction as well as depression. People who are overcoming substance abuse and addictions may also be trying to overcome depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental health centers and rehabilitation centers often use a combination of therapies, including TMS therapy, to help patients recover from these complex and multi-faceted problems. - TMS is Not Invasive
TMS therapy is not invasive, so it is more suitable for people who don’t like the idea of putting medication into their bodies or implanting electrodes. During the therapy session, a TMS machine is placed on the head of the patient and sends mild electrical pulses to the areas of the brain that are responsible for mood regulation. TMS therapy can target these areas while consistently working from outside of the body. Some patients may find the clicking noise of the TMS machine irritating or disturbing, which is why therapists will offer earplugs to help with this aspect. - You Can Maintain Independence
When you go for TMS therapy, you don’t need to undergo any anesthetic or sedation, and you can leave the hospital or treatment center within minutes of finishing your session. This means that you don’t need to rely on other people to help you or accompany you to the session when undergoing TMS therapy. It can make it easier to plan your treatment and keep it private if you don’t want to share the news with other people. Because there is no sedation involved, patients are capable of driving, walking, or cycling without assistance afterward. - Long-Term Results
If you’ve been struggling to find a treatment that offers long-term results, TMS therapy could be helpful for you. Surveys have shown that around 90% of patients continue to feel the results of their therapy sessions a year after the treatment. When combined with other forms of therapy you find helpful, such as talking therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, you may be able to find a combination of treatments that helps you to find the solutions and improvements you need.
Looking for Help in Clearwater?
If you want to try out TMS therapy in Clearwater, FL, and explore whether it could be beneficial for you, get in touch with TMS Advantage Clearwater.
Picture Credit: Neurostar