TMS therapy is a treatment for depression that involves brain stimulation. It is also used to treat anxiety disorders. This treatment has been studied for over 20 years, but most research has concentrated on its use in treating depression, particularly rTMS. In 2008, rTMS was approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression in people who have failed to respond to traditional medications. However, TMS does not work for everyone. For this reason, it is important to talk to a doctor before deciding to undergo this treatment.
TMS treatment does not require anesthesia or sedation, and the procedure usually takes between 20 and 50 minutes. Patients usually do not need to bring someone with them after treatment, and they can drive home the same day. TMS therapy is usually done five days a week, and a single treatment session lasts anywhere from 20 to 50 minutes. During the treatment, patients should notify their doctor if they have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression.
The treatment is highly effective, causing positive results in patients with depression. Because of its effectiveness, TMS is approved by the FDA. The benefits of TMS therapy have been proven by studies. For instance, patients experiencing depression after TMS therapy have reported feeling better than ever. Patients may not need to take antidepressants or psychiatric medications anymore. It is possible to get permanent relief without medication, but you have to visit the clinic regularly.
Despite its effectiveness, TMS is not suitable for everyone. There are several risks associated with TMS, including a potential for permanent damage to the brain. However, it is safe for patients who are suffering from major depression. During the treatment, patients receive magnetic fields and are stimulated. TMS is a safe treatment option, but some cautions must be taken to ensure safety. If you have a metal implant or another metallic object in your body, you should not receive TMS therapy. The magnetic fields may interfere with physiological signals that the brain produces.
During the procedure, the patient should disclose any medication they are taking, including the dosages. People with a history of seizures or other mental health disorders should also disclose their history. In some cases, TMS may be covered by Medicare or most private health insurance providers. Most US private health insurance plans cover Deep TMS for OCD. In addition to this, most US private insurance companies cover Deep TMS. Those with Medicare and private insurance will have to pay a small co-pay per session.
Several studies have confirmed that TMS is safe and effective for treatment-resistant depression. It helped 14% of patients in 2010, while patients without treatment experienced only 5%. A second phase of the trial included placebo TMS patients, who were later given proper TMS. Their remission rates rose to almost 30%. However, there is still a high recurrence rate of TMS. In addition, TMS is not an ideal treatment for every patient.