About TMS
WHAT IS TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, FDA-approved, treatment for major depressive disorder. TMS has also shown remarkable success in treating other psychiatric conditions such as general anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A device is used to produce magnetic fields that induce electrical activity in specific regions of the brain associated with a particular mental health dysfunction. In the case of depression— TMS is used to improve neurotransmission by stimulating underactive regions of the brain involved in mood regulation. This same mechanism can be applied to treat a range of mental health conditions, by targeting the regions of the brain implicated by their symptoms.
Repeated treatments to the affected areas of the brain over time can lead to long-lasting remission following treatment.
BENEFITS OF TMS
- Safe, with excellent tolerability
- Effective for treatment resistant depression
- Free from common antidepressant drug side effects
- Can be used in combination with anti-depressants
- Doesn't negatively affect cognitive function
- Patients are able to immediately resume daily activities
TMS therapy utilizes a series of repetitious magnetic pulses to stimulate activity in a focal region of the brain.
1Dunner et al, 2014, The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: A Multisite, Naturalistic, Observational Study of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Patients With Pharmacoresistant Major Depressive Disorder: Durability of Benefit Over a 1-year Follow-Up Period
2Rush et al, 2006, Am J Psychiatry