Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy can treat depression that doesn’t respond well to traditional psychotherapy and medications. The benefits of TMS therapy are varied. The best candidates for TMS therapy are those who have tried multiple antidepressants without results or people who have experienced adverse side effects from antidepressants. Children and teens also make good candidates for this therapy as they are the group most likely to suffer adverse side effects from commonly prescribed antidepressants. Call 866.273.5017 to find out how South Tampa Psychiatry’s TMS therapy program in Tampa, Florida can support you or a loved one with improved mental health.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
TMS therapy works by sending magnetic pulses into specific brain regions responsible for emotions and mood. Each session can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. TMS therapy is known to produce results, be safe, and result in limited side effects. Explore three of the biggest benefits of TMS therapy below.
High Success Rates
The hallmark of any quality treatment is its success rate. Medication alone has a historical success rate of about one in three. That means only one-third of people who try antidepressants indicate a reduction in symptoms and an improved quality of life. Meanwhile, studies show TMS therapy produces positive results in nearly 70% of cases. That is more than twice the rate of antidepressants.
Long-Term Results
People who do benefit from antidepressants often need to take them indefinitely. As soon as they stop taking them, symptoms return. The average course of TMS therapy lasts approximately one month. A single round of TMS treatment can last for up to 12 months.
Limited Side Effects
One of the drawbacks of antidepressants is how frequently people experience side effects from taking them, including:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Night sweats
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss or gain
Meanwhile, TMS therapy rarely involves side effects. The most common thing people experience during TMS therapy is mild headaches. Oftentimes, these dissipate over the course of treatment. For cases where these headaches persist, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Advil is generally enough to eliminate them.
An additional benefit of TMS therapy is that more and more major insurance companies now cover it within the umbrella of viable mental health treatment. That makes this effective therapy more available and affordable to those who can benefit most.
Who Can Benefit from TMS Therapy?
Most people experience positive results from TMS therapy. It is especially recommended for people who have proven resistant to more typical methods like counseling and antidepressants. However, people with metal implants in or near their heads should avoid TMS therapy. The metal implant can cause negative reactions or malfunctions in the coil used to deliver the magnetic pulses, which can cause severe injury. This underlines the importance of coordinating treatment with a trusted medical professional to ensure your safety.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders
Depending on your needs, you can expect TMS sessions to be combined with dual diagnosis treatment. Often, mental health and substance abuse disorders occur together. When that is the case, the individual may have a dual diagnosis. People who struggle with depression and substance abuse require a holistic response. This treatment addresses the root causes of their depression and substance abuse simultaneously.
Contact South Tampa Psychiatry
South Tampa Psychiatry offers a high-quality TMS therapy program in Tampa, Florida. We most often use TMS therapy to combat the many forms of depression, such as major depressive disorder, postpartum depression, psychotic depression, and seasonal affective disorder. In addition, we understand that mental health treatment deserves a holistic approach. That means we pair TMS therapy with other proven methods to ensure the best possible outcomes. Tackle your mental health head-on at South Tampa Psychiatry by reaching out to 866.273.5017 today.
