How Does TMS Therapy Differ From Other Depression Treatments?

The first step toward recovering from depression and other mood disorders that interfere with your life and happiness is seeking treatment from a knowledgeable professional. While some patients require medication, others do well with talk therapy and other behavioral interventions.

Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Babatunde Ogundipe at Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy offers cutting-edge transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to patients in the Aurora, IL area who meet specific criteria and suffer from hard-to-treat depression. Below, we’ll look at how TMS therapy differs from other interventions you may have tried.

How do you know if you have depression?

Depression is relatively common. Roughly 16 million U.S. adults suffer from some form of depression, which can come in mild to severe forms. Since depression can have different causes, it can be complex to treat. However, patients who exhibit the following symptoms should be open with their doctor about the possibility of a depression diagnosis:

• Feelings of sadness or despair that interferes with everyday life
• Feeling empty or hopeless about your future
• Unexplained irritability
• Feeling angry or exhibiting uncontrolled outbursts
• Frequent frustration, even at minor inconveniences
• Loss of interest in activities you used to find enjoyable
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Loss of appetite or overeating

What are the most common treatments for depression?

Depression treatments vary widely and depend on the type of treatment, any identifiable causes, and the severity of the disease.

People with depression have experienced varying degrees of success with the following treatments:

• Psychotherapy with a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker
• Behavioral modifications, such as exercise programs
• Antidepressants such as:
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

When should a patient try TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is a nonsurgical brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It has been modified over the last few decades, and doctors have successfully treated patients who have intractable depression.

TMS is not a first-line option. It is typically prescribed to those suffering from major depression who haven’t responded well to antidepressants or talk therapy.

How is TMS therapy different from other depression treatments?

While talk therapy typically happens once a week or biweekly, and antidepressants are taken daily, TMS treatment is usually prescribed 4 – 5 times per week for up to six weeks.

During the procedure, Dr. Ogundipe will place an electromagnetic coil over your scalp to send electric currents to your brain’s prefrontal cortex. This area controls mood, and the goal is to stimulate the nerve cells in this region. The procedure is considered painless and does not require a stay in the hospital. While it may sound similar to ECT, it uses a much smaller current.

Treating depression with TMS therapy in Aurora, IL

If you suffer from depression, it’s important to seek treatment. Many patients have been frustrated by a lack of success with certain antidepressants, but many other options exist. If you haven’t responded well to other treatments, we may be able to help.

If you live in the Aurora, IL area, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Babatunde Ogundipe at Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy to discuss your options and if TMS therapy is right for you.