Depression can feel like a heavy burden that you cannot lift. However, advances in medical technology have developed effective new therapies to help people with mental health issues. Among the newest therapies is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment for treatment-resistant depression. But what actually makes TMS effective for depression? You first need to understand the science behind TMS and depression and how TMS treatments work.
To understand the science behind TMS therapy as a treatment for depression, it is essential to understand how depression affects the brain. Dysfunction in particular brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, has been linked to depression. This area regulates mood, emotions, and decision-making. Prefrontal cortex activity is often low in depression, which perpetuates sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness.
Traditional depression treatments, such as medication and therapy, work for some people. However, for other people who do not respond to these traditional treatments, TMS therapy can be the right option for them. It targets depression-related brain regions to restore balance and improve mood.
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain neurons. The scientific evidence related to TMS and depression is based on neuroplasticity—how the brain changes and reorganizes itself. Providing focused magnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex stimulates neural activity and facilitates the connection between brain cells.
A specialized coil is placed against the scalp during a typical TMS session at Cedar Park TMS. This coil emits magnetic pulses that enter the skull and stimulate specific brain areas. TMS therapy requires no anesthesia and does not cause memory loss, as opposed to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). People remain alert throughout treatment, making it a safe and well-tolerated option for depression.
Many research and clinical studies have proven the efficacy of TMS therapy. Science suggests that prefrontal cortex stimulation may improve mood and mental health, which means TMS can be an effective treatment for depression. Many patients feel better after only a few weeks of therapy, and the benefits often last long after the therapy ends.
At Cedar Park TMS, we know TMS therapy changes lives. Since we began offering TMS therapy in the area in 2018, we have helped, so many people overcome depression when other treatments have failed. We are a local provider who customizes treatment plans for each patient so they can achieve the best outcome.
We are your neighbors, friends, and mental health partners at Cedar Park TMS. As a provider of medication management since 2008 and the first in the area to offer TMS therapy in 2018, we have a long history of treating the local community for depression and other mental health concerns through evidence-based protocols. At Cedar Park TMS, we combine cutting-edge science with warm, hometown care to make sure our patients with depression are supported every step of the way.
While large national chains may offer TMS therapy, Cedar Park TMS takes another route. We are a hometown provider who values warm, individualized care, taking the time to get to know each patient and tailoring their TMS therapy accordingly.
Scientific research on the effectiveness of TMS therapy for depression continues to increase. For example, one new way to improve TMS therapy is optimizing treatment protocols for faster and longer results. One study found that TMS therapy is effective for anxiety, OCD, and PTSD in addition to depression. This makes TMS an innovative treatment modality in mental health care.
At Cedar Park TMS, we are at the forefront of these developments. Innovation and personalized treatments make us the preferred TMS therapy provider in our community.
If you have depression and traditional treatments have not worked, TMS therapy might be your solution. The science behind TMS and depression demonstrates that this treatment is effective, safe, and well-tolerated. At Cedar Park TMS, we can help determine if this treatment is right for your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. Call Cedar Park TMS today to learn more about TMS therapy and how it can improve your well-being.
