When therapy and medication are found to be ineffective, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a viable solution in the treatment of depression. Due to their feelings of lethargy, decreased self-esteem, or feelings of guilt, people suffering from depression often have trouble getting the treatment they need. Furthermore, they are reluctant to use their time and resources on a condition they think they should be able to “pull themselves out of” without professional help. By receiving TMS treatments you are getting the help that you or a loved one needs which is the most effective way to reverse the negative impact of depression.

The Problems with Depression

Depression takes a toll, not only on a person’s mood but can also eclipse their social and work life. A person experiencing symptoms of major depression may not have the ability to work, causing financial strain as well. This financial impact can be hard to recover from and sometimes takes longer to resolve than the condition itself. While earning potential may still be there after his or her recovery, the months and years of time living with depression are priceless and irreplaceable. Finding a reliable treatment is crucial to minimizing these secondary effects caused by the depression.

When Traditional Treatments Don’t Work

Therapy and medication are usually the most accessible option for people living with depression. However, this traditional route is not applicable or effective for everyone. Issues with medication include negative side effects such as: sexual problems, weight gain, and emotional blunting. Patients easily stop taking these medications when the unwanted side effects become noticeable. An estimated 15 percent of patients are non-responders to conventional psychopharmacology. TMS is a new alternative treatment for depression patients that have not responded therapy and/or medications.

Treating Depression with TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a new FDA-approved approach to treating depression. The advantage of TMS is that it is non-systemic; most patients don’t experience side effects as compared to conventional systemic medication. TMS enables a swifter recovery that persists even after the treatment course is complete.

TMS works by stimulating specific areas of the brain with a small magnetic field. This magnetic field allows for neurons in the brain to turn on in regions where they were previously inactive. A month of TMS treatment certainly costs more than medication, but it offers significantly better results. In many cases, patients find that their medication becomes considerably more effective when they use it in combination with TMS.

Dr. Stubbeman offers TMS therapies that treat depression within a relatively short amount of time. If you or someone you love suffers from depression, contact Dr. Stubbman and the team to learn more about how TMS can help.