Rewiring the Brain for Relief: Demystifying TMS and Its Role in TRD Treatment
Magnetic pulses are delivered via a coil attached to the skull while you are awake to help alleviate stubborn treatment-resistant depression…. It sounds a bit like science fiction. However, we can safely affirm that this is indeed not the case. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an FDA-approved treatment modality for those suffering from treatment-resistant (TRD) major depressive disorder and shows incredible signs of being able to assist with anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, and more.
Research from the World Health Organization shows that depression is the top cause of disability throughout the entire world. Depression has a tremendous impact on emotion and memory, along with our general ability to thrive in our lives. While you will be hard-pressed to find a direct cause of depression, the data is clear that depression is a complex diagnosis unique to the individual. Here at Goolsby and Associates, we see the powerful impact of TMS on our clients every day. We believe in this science-backed approach to TRD and know it can work for many.
The brain and depression.
The brain is an incredible structure that controls memory, thought, motor skills, vision, touch, hunger, and processes that help regulate our bodies. The brain is the powerhouse organ that keeps us thinking, moving, feeling, and alive. Structures and regions within the brain, including the hippocampus, temporal lobe, amygdala, frontal lobe, thalamus, and striatum, all play a role in major depressive disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that for those with major depressive disorder, there is often a structural change in some or all of these areas. Does depression impact these areas, or does depression cause the changes? We may never know the actual answer to this question. What we can say for sure is that major depressive disorder is a debilitating diagnosis impacting 21 million Americans.
How major depressive disorder is typically treated.
The standard treatment protocol for major depressive disorder typically involves the use of an anti-depressant medication of appropriate dosage over a given amount of time and talk therapy of some sort. However, for many, this treatment route does not alleviate their depression, leading to multiple attempts at different medications and even different talk therapy modalities. For those who have tried at least two medications and used them appropriately with no relief, TMS might be the solution they are looking for.
How TMS works.
Brains help manage thoughts by creating neural pathways. Thoughts and feelings correspond to pathways, and the more practice the neurons have, the better they get at thought management. However, for those with depression, there is low activity in certain areas like the limbic system, the emotional system of the brain. It is like energy just isn’t getting to these locations.
With TMS, a magnetic coil attached to the outside of the skull uses an electromagnetic field to help “turn on” the neurons, creating a chain reaction that awakens neurons and creates new neural pathways. These pathways help with productive thoughts, and TMS helps create and reinforce the pathways over time, helping alleviate depressive thoughts. It’s like muscle memory. The more you work the path, the better the brain gets at using the new pathways.
What TMS isn’t: junk science.
With the prevalence of social media, there are many so-called “experts” touting the best strategies for mental health and the alleviation of depression. Some might include having happy thoughts, using non-FDA-approved supplements, or using remedies or treatment protocols without scientific evidence or efficacy.
TMS is NONE of these things. The FDA approved transcranial magnetic stimulation in 2008 for the treatment of depression. It may seem like something from the future, but rest assured, it is not. This treatment modality has been long researched and backed by studies proving its efficacy. With the success of TMS in treating treatment-resistant depression, it is now being used for other mental health disorders as well.
What TMS isn’t: painful.
The patient is awake and alert during every session. Sessions typically last for approximately 30 minutes, and the patient is awake the entire time, engaging with staff, watching TV, or listening to music.
With anti-depressant medications, there are side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and more. TMS does not create any of these issues, and the side effects are mild and may include a mild headache after the initial treatments that goes away or a tingling sensation during treatment.
What TMS isn’t: not covered by insurance
It’s hard to believe a treatment option with the proven efficacy of TMS isn’t wildly expensive. However, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. TMS is covered by most insurance carriers, which makes it a viable option. Here at Goolsby and Associates, we work with most major insurance carriers and can speak with you about this possibility.
What TMS isn’t: a one-time session.
TMS does require multiple visits. The duration of each visit is usually at most 30 minutes and may be much shorter. The length of each session and the duration of the sessions themselves will depend upon the individual and their unique needs.
TMS at Goolsby and Associates.
If you are suffering from treatment-resistant depression and are looking for a treatment modality that has minimal side effects and is proven to help with major depressive disorder, we hope that you will consider TMS with Goolsby and Associates. We welcome any questions you may have and can work with you to determine whether or not your insurance company allows for TMS treatment.
You do not have to suffer in silence any longer. When you partner with Goolsby and Associates, you have a team of trusted mental health professionals who wish to see you well. Contact our office today for more information.
We look forward to partnering with you on your road to wellness.