TMS: An Important Alternative for Medication-Resistant Depression
Clinical depression is a potentially life-threatening medical condition. 15% of people suffering from major depressive disorder are medication-resistant or cannot tolerate medication side effects. The longer one suffers with clinical depression, the more difficult it is to treat, so it is important to use the most appropriate, effective and tolerable therapies available. TMS , or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is an ideal treatment alternative for patients suffering from depression because it is safe, effective, non-invasive, and non-systemic, and does not interfere with patients’ abilities to go about their daily lives and employ other complementary treatments, such as psychotherapy, exercise, mindfulness meditation, bright light therapy, and health dietary changes.
TMS involves resting an MRI-strength magnet alongside the scalp, overlying a part of the brain known to be under-active in depression, the dorsolaternal preforntal cortex. Magnetically activating the brain cells of this specific area of the brain is associated with healthier brain connections and activity, and mood improvement. TMS is FDA approved and has less risk of discontinuation due to side effects than antidepressant medications.
Watch this amazing video and see how another one of our West Coast TMS patients reached remission from depression.
See her personal experience with TMS on video HERE
Want to learn more about TMS, depression or mental wellness in general? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
