If you are a psychiatric patient, you may be familiar with medications and psychotherapy as treatment options. However, these don’t always work. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) psychiatry is another option as a non-invasive procedure that alleviates the symptoms of depression using magnetic fields. It is often used after other options have failed. If you’re looking for initial treatment or new options, contact New Dawn TMS psychiatry and keep reading to learn more about some of the benefits of TMS psychiatric treatment which include the following:
1. Increased Options
TMS psychiatry gives you one more option to combat and treat depression. It is a viable alternative that comes in handy after other options fail. Maybe your other treatment options haven’t failed, necessarily. TMS psychiatry can work to further the progress that you may feel hasn’t been made by your other options alone. Whether used as a next step or added in combination, having another possible option increases the chances of getting the results you need.
2. Effective
TMS therapy has been proven to be effective. Its effectiveness has increased significantly in recent periods. Due to increased study, observations and use in patients, additional findings and solidified proof have become widely accessible. Experts have also discovered more precise treatment points in order to improve the overall treatment, which increases the probability of experiencing good results.
Even though it is a fairly new procedure, plenty of studies have been conducted to prove and increase its effectiveness, and the number of studies continues to increase with time. TMS results are found to be long-term, even if other options have failed in the past.
3. Safe
TMS therapy is safe and non-invasive, which reduces the exposure to a number of risks typically found among more invasive options. TMS therapy has helped a number of patients by treating their symptoms without experiencing any severe side effects. Some of the light side effects that have been reported by patients after the procedure are usually limited to a slight headache and mild irritation. The side effects are minor and subside within a week or less.
In clinical trials, the side effects of TMS therapy were proven to be tolerable. Less than 5% of patients who receive the treatment have adverse side effects. The treatments are completed without causing seizures, weight fluctuation, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, systemic side effects, or nausea.
4. Treats Additional Disorders
TMS psychiatry may also be an effective way to treat other disorders, one example being OCD. Treatment through TMS therapy targets certain parts of the brain that may be associated with OCD symptoms as well as other disorders.
5. Non-Medication Option
TMS psychiatry offers the opportunity as a treatment option to those who wish to avoid medicated treatment whenever possible. Whether an individual is experiencing undesirable side effects from their medication or just wants to avoid/lessen their daily medication schedule, this can prove to be a favorable option for patients.
6. Quick and Convenient
Because this treatment option is non-invasive, there is no need for sedation. Treatment can usually be completed in just about 20 minutes which means after treatment, you can easily resume your normal operations in no time. The treatment works by stimulating the brain with magnetic fields, and since there is no need for incisions, patients don’t require hospitalization.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of TMS therapy are considered long-term. However, it is important to understand that there are different results seen among different people. In most cases, treatments of four to six weeks may provide results lasting up to six months or more. Generally, you’ll need semi-frequent treatments to encourage prolonged relief from conditions.
Where appropriate, your doctor may prescribe TMS therapy along with traditional antidepressants. However, combining the two treatment options does not necessarily guarantee better results, but does increase the possibility of one or both proving effective. Combining the two options may also determine how long the results last.
When making decisions regarding your health, you should always think about what is in your best interest. Even though TMS therapy is proven as a good treatment option, it does not always work for everyone. Discuss the option with your doctor and they will advise you accordingly based on your history and previous treatments.