Depression is a medical condition that affects over 18 million adults in the United States. However, when you’re living with depression, you tend to feel very alone. For some people, knowing they are not alone may help to alleviate some of the sadness they are feeling. However, most people who suffer from depression need more than that. The main method to treat depression among adults and adolescents is through antidepressants. There are various antidepressant medications that help to alleviate symptoms of depression including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, and many more.
70% of people who seek medical help for depression do not find a medication that works for them the first time. More often than not, it takes 2-4 different trial runs of medications to find one that helps. Additionally, each of these medications comes with a long list of side effects. These side effects often worsen a person’s depression instead of helping it.
For those suffering from depression who have not found a medication that helps them, there may be another answer — TMS therapy.
TMS therapy stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and is a new, FDA approved treatment option to help ease depression in those who have not responded to traditional treatments for depression such as medication. There are no drugs involved in TMS therapy. It is administered through an FDA approved device that is placed against the scalp and near the forehead and stimulates the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the portion of the brain responsible for mood regulation. It has been shown that through stimulation, mood regulation becomes easier in those who have dealt with depression in the past.
But how do you know if you qualify for TMS therapy?
TMS therapy may be the right treatment method to try next if you are an adult who:
- Suffers from recurrent bouts of depressive episodes.
- Has tried multiple medical approaches to alleviate your depression.
- Are concerned about the side effects of a multi-drug regimen.
- Wants to get well and is highly motivated to do so.
If you fit this description and are looking for a new method to treat your depression, contact us today.