Nearly 6% of all adults have some type of depression, a mental health condition that causes persistent sadness and feelings of emptiness. Many of those people take medications to control their symptoms. In some cases, medication isn’t enough to help with major depressive disorder. That’s why FHE Health offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Learn more about TMS for depression and see whether it might be right for you.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD) that doesn’t improve with at least two first-line antidepressant medications. It affects approximately 30% of people who’ve been diagnosed with MDD.
People with treatment-resistant depression often have more severe symptoms, a higher number of depressive episodes and depressive episodes that last longer than usual. You may also experience anhedonia, which is the inability to experience pleasure.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often called TMS therapy, helps people with treatment-resistant depression. It uses targeted magnetic impulses to stimulate the nerve cells in certain areas of the brain. These magnetic impulses pass through the scalp, allowing them to reach the target area quickly.
How TMS Works for Depression
TMS is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for people with major depressive disorder that doesn’t respond to first-line antidepressants. Scientists are still working to understand exactly how TMS for depression works, but it appears to help the brain function better. Improved brain function has positive effects on mood and other symptoms.
Who Is a Candidate for TMS?
You may be a candidate for TMS if you’re at least 18 years old, have a formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder and have tried at least two first-line antidepressants without any improvement. TMS may also be appropriate if you can’t tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.
Although TMS is safe and FDA-cleared, it’s not right for everyone. TMS isn’t a fit if you have:
- Metal objects in your head (stents, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, etc.)
- Untreated brain injuries or mental health conditions
- A history of seizures or epilepsy
This is not a complete list. For full contraindication and safety information, see our main TMS therapy page.
What a TMS Treatment Course Looks Like
TMS isn’t a one-time treatment. To maximize its benefits, you need to complete a planned course of therapy. FHE Health uses BrainsWay Deep TMS, so a treatment course usually consists of 30 to 36 sessions over up to 12 weeks.
TMS vs. Antidepressants vs. Ketamine Therapy
TMS, antidepressants and ketamine therapy all aim to improve depression symptoms, but they don’t work the same way. Antidepressants affect the neurotransmitters in your brain, which improves mood. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that help your nerve cells communicate with each other.
Ketamine blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This prompts the nerve cells to form new connections, which helps rewire the brain circuits involved in mood. As a result, ketamine therapy can help with treatment-resistant depression.
TMS for depression uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. Like ketamine, these pulses prompt the nerve cells to form new connections. TMS also acts like a pair of jumper cables for underactive parts of the brain, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, so stimulating it may improve mood and have other positive effects.
What to Expect During Your First Session
Before you begin TMS, you’ll meet with one of our clinical professionals for an evaluation. This helps determine if TMS for depression is right for you. The clinician will ask about your mental health history, past medications and therapy experiences. It’s important to answer each question honestly, as we’re committed to finding the best treatment for your needs.
The first TMS session typically includes a step known as brain mapping. This is when we identify the target area and determine which magnetic pulse strength is appropriate. Brain mapping allows us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Finally, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair and wait while one of our team members positions a specialized coil around your head. The coil is what delivers the magnetic impulses involved in TMS. During the session, the treatment provider may adjust the coil slightly to improve your results.
TMS for Depression at FHE Health
At FHE Health, we’re proud to use BrainsWay Deep TMS technology. Deep TMS allows magnetic impulses to go deeper into the brain, which may improve treatment outcomes. We also offer ongoing monitoring and support, which includes:
- Treatment adjustments when appropriate
- Regular check-ins to discuss your symptoms
- Coordination with outside medical providers
Another benefit of choosing FHE is that we offer integrated care for major depressive disorder. During your TMS course, you’ll have access to group therapy, individual therapy and other services designed to help you improve your life.
FHE Health also offers treatment for co-occurring disorders, which is when you have a substance use disorder paired with at least one other mental health condition. If you have major depressive disorder, treating it with TMS may help you avoid self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, leading to improvements in your substance use disorder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does TMS hurt?
Most people describe TMS as slightly uncomfortable, not painful. You may feel tapping sensations on your scalp during a treatment session. However, there are no needles and no electrical impulses, so TMS is noninvasive.
How long does a TMS session take?
A TMS session usually lasts for about 30 minutes. It may take a little longer if you need to check in with your treatment provider about your symptoms.
Am I awake during the treatment?
Yes, you’ll be awake during each TMS session. Since TMS is noninvasive, there’s no need for sedatives or anesthesia. You should be able to return to your normal activities as soon as the session ends.
Start Your Recovery
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an FDA-cleared, noninvasive treatment for depression. It may help improve your symptoms even when medications and other standard treatments have failed.
If depression is making it difficult to work, take care of your home or enjoy spending time with family and friends, there’s something you can do about it. Contact us to speak with a compassionate counselor at any time of the day or night. We’re here 24/7 to help you take control of your life.
