Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for depression and several other mental health conditions. Unlike traditional approaches, TMS is a drug-free procedure that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, particularly in areas responsible for mood regulation.
This noninvasive procedure is often considered when standard treatments, such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, have failed to provide adequate relief. However, many wonder, “Can TMS therapy be combined with other treatments?” Research suggests that TMS is compatible with other therapies and that lifestyle changes and holistic approaches may also help reduce symptoms.
TMS therapy involves the targeted application of electromagnetic pulses to the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for mood regulation. Imaging studies have demonstrated that these nerve cells are less active in people with major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions.
TMS increases the activity in these regions, improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other conditions. However, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and has fewer side effects, which makes it a good option for people who do not respond to antidepressant medication. TMS treatments can also be incorporated with other therapies to improve outcomes.
On its own, TMS can be effective and greatly reduce symptoms. Some individuals find that when TMS therapy is combined with other treatments, they receive greater symptom relief. Studies have suggested that TMS may be beneficial for treatment-resistant depression when it is used alongside medications, psychotherapy, or other holistic approaches to care.
We take a customized approach to integrating TMS with other therapies to maximize your benefits while minimizing risks. TMS therapy does not have to be a standalone treatment. It can work as part of a broader approach to improving mental health.
One of the more common questions about TMS treatment is whether you can use this therapy in combination with antidepressant medications. TMS can be safely combined with most antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
For some people, TMS improves medication effectiveness, particularly when they have not responded well to drug therapy alone. Others find that TMS therapy can reduce their reliance on antidepressants over time. However, medication adjustments should only be made under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
TMS therapy directly stimulates brain activity and can improve neuroplasticity, which makes some medications and psychotherapy more effective. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, helps develop coping skills and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Combining TMS therapy with psychotherapy can lead to better long-term outcomes when compared to either treatment alone. Psychotherapy is proven to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, but it requires you to make certain changes to the way you think and behave. Making these changes while experiencing symptoms can be difficult.
TMS can reduce your symptoms, improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy. It can also help regulate emotions and make you more receptive to therapy by improving your focus and cognitive function. After a course of TMS therapy, you may feel more engaged and responsive, which increases the likelihood of making meaningful breakthroughs in treatment.
Beyond medication and therapy, research shows that other lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms of mental health conditions and improve overall health. However, it can be difficult to make these changes while experiencing significant mental health symptoms.
Lifestyle choices that can improve your mental health include:
These approaches are not substitutes for medical care, but in combination with other treatments, such as TMS therapy, they can support your progress and improve results.
While TMS therapy is generally safe, there are certain situations when combining it with other treatments can pose a risk. TMS should not be used if you have a metal implant in or near your head, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or aneurysm clips, as the electromagnetic pulses can interfere with these devices.
If you are receiving other types of brain stimulation therapies, such as ECT or deep brain stimulation, TMS should not be combined with these treatments. TMS can lower the seizure threshold, and in rare cases, patients with epilepsy or a history of seizures may experience a seizure during treatment. Therefore, while it has not been found to affect cognition, people with a known seizure disorder should not receive TMS therapy.
If you are considering TMS as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, we encourage you to call us and schedule a consultation. We can help you answer the question, “Can TMS therapy be combined with other treatments?” and learn more about how this and other therapies may help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
