How do I Know if TMS Therapy is for Me?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS therapy, is a type of depression treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. This treatment is non-invasive, safe, and can lead to long-term improvement. Before undergoing TMS therapy, it’s important to determine if it is the best option for you. 

Other Treatments Aren’t Helping 

One of the main reasons people turn to TMS therapy is simply because other treatments aren’t working. People may take antidepressants in order to address their depression. However, medication works differently for everyone. Antidepressants may not be the most effective treatment and they may not be helping as much as you had hoped. Typically, your doctor will have you try several different medications before trying a new therapy. If your first medication doesn’t work for you, try other options your doctor recommends first. People may also engage in different types of therapy to treat their depression. Therapy is a wonderfully beneficial tool. However, much like medication, it impacts people differently. Therapy may not be an effective treatment for you.  If your current treatment isn’t working for you, then it may be time to consider other options. 

You Aren’t Able to Take Other Treatments

Unfortunately, some individuals are unable to take medications. They may have an illness that prevents them from taking antidepressants and so they need a non-medication treatment to try. Additionally, some people are hypersensitive to medication and their body may reject it. In these cases, TMS therapy can be very beneficial because it is non-invasive. When undergoing TMS therapy, you simply wear a specially designed helmet and sit while the magnets do the work. Typically you will need several treatments to see results. With this type of therapy, you can overcome the obstacles that other treatments may have. 

When You Shouldn’t Do TMS Therapy 

While there are many reasons to do TMS therapy, there are also situations where you should not. Many of these reasons are related to your medical history. If you have any implanted medical devices in or around your head, then TMS therapy is not safe for you. If you have a history of neurological disorders, head injuries, or epilepsy, then TMS therapy may not be safe for you. 

Overall, TMS therapy can be a great relief to those struggling with depression, and can lead to lasting results. Consider your situation and determine if TMS therapy will benefit you.

What to learn more? Click here to see if TMS therapy is right for your situation.