Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and how it can help with mental health
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and how it can help with mental health
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It has shown promise in treating various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this article, we explored the history and science behind TMS, its applications in mental health, and its potential benefits and drawbacks.
The concept of TMS was first introduced in the early 1980s by Tony Barker, a British neurophysiologist and the father of TMS therapy. Barker used a magnetic coil to stimulate the peripheral nerves in a frog’s leg, demonstrating that a magnetic field could be used to stimulate neurons. Following Barker’s initial experiments, several researchers including Barker began to explore the use of magnetic fields to stimulate the brain, leading to the development of TMS.
In 1985, Anthony T. Barker and his colleagues performed the first TMS experiment on a human subject. They placed a magnetic coil over the subject’s scalp and delivered a magnetic pulse to the motor cortex, causing the subject’s hand to move involuntarily. This experiment demonstrated that TMS could be used to selectively stimulate specific areas of the brain, and paved the way for further research into the technique.
Over the past few decades, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been extensively studied and refined. It has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for various mental health disorders, and has gained approval from regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In depression treatment, TMS is often used as an alternative for individuals who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication and therapy. It can also be used on those individuals who cannot or are unwilling to take medication for their disorder. Studies have shown that TMS significantly improves symptoms of depression compared to placebo treatment, and that the effect is durable over time. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has also been found to be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression.
When treating a patient for anxiety, TMS can be used to target the amygdala, a structure in the brain that is involved in fear and anxiety. Studies have shown that TMS can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve quality of life in individuals with anxiety disorders.
TMS can also be used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies have found that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms of OCD and improve quality of life in individuals with the disorder.
One of the advantages of TMS is that it is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia or sedation. All it takes is a quick visit to the provider’s office and ~15 minutes of treatment. It also has few side effects, which are usually mild and transient, such as headache and scalp discomfort. However, TMS is not suitable for everyone, and it may not be effective for all individuals with mental health disorders.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a promising, non-invasive treatment for various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As time goes on, it will certainly obtain FDA approval for treating a greater variety of mental health conditions. It is a safe and effective alternative for individuals who have not responded to other treatments, and it has few side effects. However, TMS is not suitable for everyone, and further research is needed to determine its long-term effects and optimal use. Overall, TMS represents a significant advancement in the field of mental health treatment, and it has the potential to improve the lives of millions of individuals who suffer from these debilitating conditions.
Stedfast Psychiatry is proud to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy to our patients. We offer TMS treatment for all of the conditions that have been approved by the FDA to be treated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, including depression, OCD, Anxiety, and for smoking cessation (quitting smoking). If you would like to learn more about TMS or find out whether you might be a good candidate for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, please call our office today. We have appointments available and may have an open slot coming up as early as this week.
