With advancements in technology and medicine, treatments like TMS therapy are becoming available for mental health treatment. TMS therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. It provides the brain with extra energy it can use to rebuild and reset its internal networks.
TMS therapy can be used in conjunction with medication or as an alternative treatment option if you don’t respond to medications for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
TMS therapy is worth looking into if you suffer from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. In today’s blog, we’re looking at seven things you should consider when deciding if TMS therapy is a good fit for you.
1. What Is TMS Therapy?
So, what is TMS therapy? Great question. As mentioned above, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in your brain. TMS is usually for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
During the TMS therapy session, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while a TMS machine is positioned over your head. The machine delivers magnetic pulses to a specific area of your brain, usually the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for regulating your mood and emotions.
The magnetic pulses create electrical currents in your brain to help activate or deactivate specific areas, depending on your individual needs. The goal of TMS therapy is to balance activity in the brain, whether that’s increasing or decreasing activity.
TMS therapy is typically administered in daily sessions that are between 20 to 30 minutes over several weeks. Advanced facilities are able to provide the same treatments in as little as five minutes over just one week. The number of sessions and the length of the treatment can vary depending on your individual needs and response to the therapy.
TMS therapy is non-invasive and does not require any anesthesia or sedation. You’ll remain awake and alert during the procedure and can return to your normal activities immediately after the session.
TMS therapy is a promising treatment option if you’re struggling with mental health conditions and haven’t seen results from medication or therapy.
2. Evaluate Your Symptoms
Before undergoing any mental health treatment, evaluating your needs is essential to determine if a treatment fits you. We’ll start by looking at the most common symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorders.
DEPRESSION
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition. You may have depression if you have persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that you once enjoyed. Depression can make you tired, steal your appetite, and disturb your sleep.
Genetics, brain chemistry, and trauma or loss can cause depression, which can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. But I promise there is hope. Effective treatments are available, including medication, therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.
ANXIETY
Anxiety is another common mental health condition. You may have anxiety if you feel intense worry, fear, and apprehension that can overwhelm and interfere with your daily life. Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, and heart palpitations. Various factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life stressors, can cause it.
OCD
If you have OCD, you may have unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Both can cause significant distress and interfere with daily activities. It’s common to want things in a symmetrical or perfect order. Common OCD obsessions include fear of germs, unwanted thoughts about sex or religion, and aggressive thoughts toward yourself or others.
PTSD
PTSD symptoms usually begin within three months of a traumatic event but could emerge later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, your symptoms must last at least one month and be severe enough to interfere with daily life. Symptoms may include:
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories of the traumatic event
- Nightmares and trouble sleeping
- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, and hypervigilance
- Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the traumatic event
- Feeling numb, detached, or unresponsive
- Feeling irritable, angry, or easily frustrated
- Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches or increased heart rate
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme and unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity level, and concentration. These shifts can include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), making it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar can be chronic or episodic.
3. Speak With A Mental Healthcare Professional
Once you have identified your symptoms, speaking with a mental health professional who can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments is important.
This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. If traditional treatments are ineffective, TMS therapy may be recommended as an alternative treatment option.
However, it is important to note that a diagnosis is not required to try TMS therapy. If you feel that TMS may be a good fit for you, you can get started right away.
4. Evaluate Your Medical History
It is important to evaluate your overall health and any medical conditions you may have. TMS therapy is an effective solution for many individuals but may not be safe for everyone; for example, if you’ve had metal placed in and around the brain, TMS may not be possible.
5. Lifestyle and Support System
Your lifestyle and support system are also factors to consider. TMS therapy requires a time commitment, with daily sessions over several weeks. Evaluating whether you have the time and resources to commit to the treatment is important.
Having a support system, such as a therapist, family, and friends, can be beneficial in managing the stress and emotions that may arise during the treatment process.
6. Incorporating TMS Therapy With Other Treatments
You can use TMS therapy in conjunction with other treatments like medication or therapy. TMS therapy can also be effective as a stand-alone treatment approach.
7. Selecting the Right TMS Therapy Provider
When considering TMS therapy, selecting the right provider is crucial to ensuring the best possible treatment outcome. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a TMS therapy provider:
- Experience and Credentials: Look for a provider with expertise in administering TMS therapy and who is properly licensed and credentialed to provide this treatment.
- Equipment and Facility: The quality of the equipment and facility can also play a role in the effectiveness of TMS therapy. Look for a provider who uses state-of-the-art equipment and operates in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Treatment Plan: A good TMS therapy provider will customize a treatment plan tailored to your needs. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history and develop a treatment plan that is unique to you.
- Insurance Coverage: Look for a provider who accepts your insurance or is willing to work with you to create an affordable payment plan.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from past patients to get a sense of the provider’s reputation and the quality of care they provide.
- Communication Style: The provider’s communication style is also important. Look for a provider willing to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. A good TMS therapy provider should also be able to explain the treatment process clearly and concisely.
By considering these factors, you can find a TMS therapy provider who is experienced, qualified, and able to provide you with the best possible care.
Try TMS Therapy With Brain Health Center
Are you interested in TMS therapy but unsure where to start? Look no further.
At Brain Health Center, we offer TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, insomnia, OCD, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, panic disorders, postpartum depression, and suicide ideation.
Our unique approach involves brain mapping and working with data specific to your brain. There’s no guesswork involved; you’ll receive a customized treatment plan with the latest protocols and equipment designed to put you at ease and help you get the most out of your treatment.
Our location in St. George, Utah, also supports long-distance treatment. Get started today with your free, 30-minute brain mapping, and let us know if you have any questions! Call us at 435.900.0123, or email us at hello@brainhc.com. Try TMS therapy with Brain Health Center today.