TMS Treatment for Depression
Clinical Depression
Clinical depression is different from the usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Particularly when long-lasting with moderate to severe intensity.
Severe depression is a serious health condition, and at its worst, can lead to suicide. At any given time 1 in 10 people live with clinical depression and anxiety.
Current research suggests that when small electrical currents are induced in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, there is an increase in blood flow and glucose metabolism, leading to increased neuron activity which elevates mood and executive functions of the pre-frontal cortex.
The rTMS stimulation in the left pre-frontal cortex that regulates mood activates brain cells via an excitatory pattern and this triggers a cascade of neurochemical events, including the release of neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) to normalise neurotransmitter function.
Whо gеtѕ clinical dерrеѕѕiоn?
About 5 in 100 adults hаvе severe depression every уеаr. Sometimes it iѕ mild or lasts just an fеw weeks. Hоwеvеr, аn ерiѕоdе оf depression serious enough to require treatment occurs in about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men at ѕоmе point in their lives.
Sоmе реорlе have two оr mоrе episodes оf depression at various times in their lives.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Mаnу people know when they have depression. Hоwеvеr, ѕоmе people do not rеаliѕе when they are depressed. Thеу mау know that they are nоt right and аrе not functioning well but don’t know why. Some реорlе think that they hаvе a рhуѕiсаl illness – fоr еxаmрlе if they lоѕе weight.
- Difficulty concentrating & decision making
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt & worthlessness
- Feelings of pessimism
- Insomnia
- Irritability, restlessness & anxiety
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
TMS Treatment for Clinical Depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that helps alleviate depression by stimulating neural circuits in the brain responsible for mood regulation. Here’s a simplified overview of how TMS works and its therapeutic effects:
How TMS Works
Stimulation of Neural Circuits:
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed near the forehead. The coil emits magnetic pulses that pass through the skull and stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood control, particularly the prefrontal cortex.Neuroplasticity and Brain Adaptation:
Repeated stimulation over multiple sessions promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. This process helps restore normal activity in regions affected by depression, contributing to long-term improvements.Neurotransmitter Regulation:
TMS may also influence the release of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. By modulating neural activity, TMS can help rebalance these neurotransmitters, alleviating depressive symptoms.Long-Term Benefits:
The cumulative effects of regular TMS sessions over 4–6 weeks can lead to sustained improvements in mood and emotional well-being. These lasting changes are the result of gradual modifications in neural circuits and neurotransmitter activity.
Key Benefits of TMS Treatment for Severe Depression
TMS offers several advantages over traditional depression treatments, making it a suitable option for individuals who have not responded well to medication or other therapies.
1. Non-Invasive and Painless
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that requires no surgery or anaesthesia, making it a safer alternative to treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Patients remain awake and alert during the sessions.
2. Minimal Side Effects
Unlike antidepressant medications, which can cause unwanted side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or nausea, TMS side effects are generally mild and localised. Common side effects include slight scalp discomfort or mild headaches, which usually resolve quickly.
3. High Success Rates for Treatment-Resistant Depression
TMS has been shown to be effective, particularly for individuals who have not responded to antidepressant medications. Studies have demonstrated significant improvement in depressive symptoms following a full course of TMS treatment.
4. Reduced Risk of Relapse
Research suggests that TMS helps strengthen neural connections involved in mood regulation, reducing the likelihood of relapse. This lasting impact helps patients maintain improvements in their mental health over time.
5. Personalised Treatment Plans
TMS therapy can be tailored to each patient’s needs, adjusting the frequency, intensity, and duration of sessions based on their response to treatment. This personalised approach optimises outcomes and improves the overall effectiveness of the therapy.
Check Your Eligibility
TMS treatment works by targeting brain regions linked to depression and adjusting neural activity to relieve symptoms. While individual responses may vary, many patients experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life after completing TMS therapy.
To find out if you are eligible for TMS treatment, follow our simple three-step treatment method.
Evidence Based Treatment
TMS is supported by robust clinical evidence and international guidelines that affirm its safety and effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
1. NICE Guidelines
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognises repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a safe and effective treatment for depression. According to their guidelines, rTMS meets clinical governance and safety standards while offering promising outcomes for patients.
Published 2015 Source.
2. FDA Approval for Depression and Migraine Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS as a treatment for major depressive disorder in 2008. This approval was later expanded in 2013 to include the treatment of pain associated with certain types of migraines.
Published 2008 Source.
3. Bilateral rTMS for Major Depression
A 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis found that bilateral rTMS offers clinical benefits that are comparable to or exceed those of traditional antidepressants. Additionally, bilateral rTMS is well-tolerated by patients, making it a viable treatment option for major depressive disorder.
Published 2012 Source.
4. Effectiveness in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
A 2023 meta-analysis demonstrated that rTMS provides a significant advantage over placebo treatments in managing treatment-resistant depression. It highlighted the value of rTMS as an adjunctive therapy for patients who have not responded to at least two previous treatments.
Published 2023 Source.
5. Accelerated rTMS for Faster Results
Recent studies have explored accelerated rTMS protocols, which involve multiple sessions per day to shorten the treatment duration while maintaining the same therapeutic benefits. This approach may hasten antidepressant effects and improve clinical efficiency without compromising safety or effectiveness.
Published 2023 Source.
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