In the United States, around 21 million adults struggle with major depression. Some of these people have treatment-resistant depression, a condition that does not respond or improve with common types of treatment such as psychotherapy or antidepressants. While treating this type of depression can be challenging, there are effective options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is the best option for you to explore. This treatment option is fairly new in the field of mental health care. But it produces positive and long-term results with few to no side effects.

1. What is TMS Therapy for Major
Depression?
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In the United States, around 21 million adults struggle with major depression. Some of
these people have treatment-resistant depression, a condition that does not respond or
improve with common types of treatment such as psychotherapy or antidepressants.
While treating this type of depression can be challenging, there are effective options to
help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is the best option for you to explore.
This treatment option is fairly new in the field of mental health care. But it produces
positive and long-term results with few to no side effects.
Key Takeaways
Depression is a common mental health issue in the US. With TMS therapy, it is possible
to see a significant reduction in symptoms of depression.
Here is what you must know about TMS therapy:
 When someone doesn’t respond well to medications and therapy, TMS
therapy is the best option to try.
 TMS therapy is the most effective treatment option for individuals with
treatment-resistant depression.
 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS treatment in
2008 to treat different mental illnesses.
 When used in combination with antidepressants and behavioral therapy,
TMS efficacy sees a significant improvement.
Contact The Recovery Team to overcome depression. Call (800) 817-1247 to learn
more about our admission process.
TMS Therapy
For those people and many others who do not respond well to therapy and medications
alone, there is a newer effective treatment option known as transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS).

2. TMS therapy was FDA-approved in 2008 as an effective, non-invasive treatment for the
following conditions:
 Major depressive disorder (MDD)
 Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
 Smoking cessation
 Migraines
During a TMS session, a healthcare provider places a magnetic coil against the
forehead or scalp of the person. This coil sends a magnetic pulse that passes through
the skull, activating neurons in specific areas of the brain.
A TMS technician administers pulses one after the other in rapid succession. Using this
strategy releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These
neurotransmitters work to ease the symptoms of depression.
The magnetic pulses are of the same type and strength as those emitted by an MRI
machine. The person will not feel these pulses and should not cause pain.
TMS Therapy Is Non Invasive
TMS therapy is non-invasive, which means that it does not involve sedation or
anesthesia, as the patient remains awake and alert throughout the session.
Side effects (such as tiredness, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain) often experienced
with antidepressants do not occur with TMS therapy.
There is no recovery time either; patients can drive back home after the therapy session
and continue their everyday activities.
TMS Therapy Is Non-Systemic
TMS therapy is non-systemic, which means that it is not taken by mouth and does not
circulate in the bloodstream throughout the body.
TMS Therapy Is Effective
Around 50 to 60 percent of those with depression who have tried and failed to benefit
from antidepressant medications experience a clinically meaningful response with TMS.

3. One-third of patients get full remission, meaning their symptoms go away entirely. It is
also important to note that these positive results are not permanent.
However, most TMS patients feel better for many months after treatment is stopped,
with the average response lasting a little more than a year.
For those who do not respond well to TMS, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may still be
effective and is often worth exploring.
TMS Therapy Is Targeted
Magnetic pulses do not directly affect the whole brain. Rather, these pulses reach
around 2-3 centimeters into the brain right under the magnetic treatment coil.
The magnetic field is targeted at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is
the part of the brain responsible for mood control.
How a TMS Session Works
During a TMS treatment session, the patient sits in a comfortable chair while the TMS
coil is properly placed on the head. After placing the headpiece, magnetic pulses are
sent to the prefrontal cortex.
While the pulses are being sent to the brain, patients can listen to music, watch TV, and
talk to the staff. If they want or are comfortable, they can have a loved one in the room
during their session.
Each session lasts around 20-30 minutes. The complete course of treatment will
typically last four to six weeks, with five days each week.
After the treatment sessions, patients will feel just like their usual selves. They will be
able to drive back home and continue their daily life.
Some people report feeling tired or having a mild headache, although this normally goes
away after a week or two. Others report improved energy and focus, as well as the
ability to deal with anxious thoughts after treatment.

4. Using TMS Therapy With Other
Depression Treatments
TMS therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments to improve symptoms of
depression. TMS can be used with the following treatments:
Medication
While many patients seek TMS therapy because antidepressants are ineffective on their
own, combining the two types of treatment can improve the efficacy of each.
Your doctor may advise you to continue taking antidepressants after completing TMS
treatment to sustain positive results. If you have TRD, these two treatment options can
help you find relief.
Therapy
Many patients who seek treatment for depression undergo some sort of behavioral
therapy to address the root cause of their condition.
Some people develop depression due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. In contrast,
others develop depression as a result of their trauma or environment.
Therapy helps people address these issues and use good coping skills to enhance their
mood. It can also lead to long-term improvements when used in conjunction with TMS.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a medication often used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TMS
treatment and ketamine injections can be used together to help those suffering from
depression.
Some people who combine these two treatments enjoy rapid relief from symptoms with
fewer required sessions. It makes combining TMS therapy with ketamine injections the
best treatment option for people suffering from mild to severe treatment-resistant
depression.

5. Combining TMS therapy with other treatments can help you find relief from your
symptoms faster, especially if you have TRD.
If you believe therapy and medication are insufficient, speak with your doctor about your
options.
Candidates for TMS Therapy
Depression is a mental condition that can be challenging to manage. The first-line
treatment for depression is typically a mix of medication and therapy.
However, in some cases, this combination does not improve the symptoms, and the
person is diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
People who have TRD or cannot take medications for other reasons are good
candidates to receive TMS treatment.
Ineligible for TMS Therapy
TMS is not suitable for patients with epilepsy, brain tumors, brain injuries, a family
history of seizures, psychosis, or drug and alcohol addiction.
Because TMS uses magnetic pulses, those with metal in their necks or heads cannot
receive TMS, except for braces or dental fillings.
Examples of metal objects that preclude you from receiving TMS treatment include:
 Stents
 Aneurysm clips
 Metallic ear
 Pacemakers
 Deep brain stimulators
 Eye implants
 Bullet fragments
Side Effects of TMS Therapy
As with any procedure, there are a few side effects of TMS stimulation. Some of the
side effects associated with TMS include:

6. Common Side Effects
Side effects are generally mild to moderate in nature. These effects improve shortly
after the TMS sessions and lessen with additional sessions.
The most common side effects include:
 Headaches
 Tingling
 Twitching of facial muscles
 Nausea
 Anxiety
 Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
To reduce effects, your doctor may change the intensity of stimulation or advise you to
take a painkiller before the procedure.
Rare Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare and may include the following:
 Seizures
 Hearing loss (if there is improper ear protection during treatment)
 Mania, common among people with bipolar disorder
Future of TMS Therapy
TMS is being researched widely across disorders in the hopes that it will evolve into a
new treatment for neurological disorders, pain management, and substance addiction.
TMS for the following conditions is not yet approved by FDA and would be termed “off-
label.”
 Anxiety disorder
 Adolescent depression
 Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
 Chronic pain
 Schizophrenia
 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
 Sleep disorders
 Addictions

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does TMS therapy do?
TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses a series of short magnetic pulses to
activate nerve cells in parts of the brain known to be related to major depression.
Because repetitive magnetic pulses are delivered, this treatment for depression is also
referred to as repetitive TMS (rTMS).
Studies have shown that repeated TMS is twice as effective as antidepressants and talk
therapy in treating serious symptoms of depression.
What are the dangers of TMS therapy?
Side effects of TMS are uncommon. If they do occur, they may include the following:
Headache (most common)
Scalp discomfort
Twitching of the facial muscles
Skin redness at the site coil placement
Dizziness
Sleepiness
A higher-than-usual sensitivity to sound
Seizures (very rare)
What does TMS do to your brain?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment option that uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells
in the brain in order to ease the symptoms of depression.
A magnetic coil is placed on your scalp or forehead during a TMS session. The
electromagnet delivers a magnetic pulse painlessly that activates nerve cells in the area
of the brain involved in mood regulation and depression.
TMS treatment is thought to stimulate brain areas that have reduced activity in
depression.
What is the success rate of TMS therapy?
Many patients considering TMS therapy want to know their chances of success and
what they can expect from undergoing the procedure.

8. TMS provides a clinically meaningful response to around 50 to 60 percent of people
suffering from depression who have tried and failed to gain benefits from medications.
One-third of these people get full remission, meaning their symptoms go away
completely.
If TMS fails, ECT therapy could be the best option. Those who have tried TMS therapy
should consult with a medical expert regarding ECT therapy.
Get Effective Treatment for Depression at
The Haven Detox
Depression can take a significant toll on your health and quality of life. But this is not
something to get discouraged about as you can overcome it and any other mental
health condition.
TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment for mild to severe depression.
If you are considering TMS treatment, you can rest assured that you will get the safest
and most effective treatment possible at The Recovery Team.
Along with TMS therapy, The Haven Detox also offers a number of other evidence-
based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior
therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and many
more.
Our medical staff has the tools and knowledge to perform the procedure effectively and
help you find relief as soon as possible.
Patients also respond well to the dynamic menu of treatments we offer, which includes
inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization
programs (PHP), and more.
Therefore, if you are ready to defeat depression and improve the quality of your life,
contact us today at (800) 817-1247.