Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation vs. Antidepressant Medications

Many people struggling with depression will benefit from traditional treatment methods including antidepressant medications and talk therapy. There is a chance that depression will resist these traditional methods of treatment.

When patients find themselves struggling with treatment-resistant depression, it’s time to look at available treatment options. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation might be what they need to get through their depression.

Continue reading to learn the difference between antidepressant medications and transcranial magnetic stimulation. 

What Do Antidepressants Do?

One of the first methods of treating depression involves antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Depression is generally caused by an imbalance of chemicals, including:

• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine

Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals (also known as neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Unfortunately, most antidepressant medications have side effects that can make it difficult to continue taking the medication. Some of the most common side effects of antidepressant medication include:

• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Nausea

Some patients might also experience:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Blurred vision

Some antidepressant medications increase the chance of suicidal thoughts and actions among teenagers.

Antidepressants are successful for 40 to 60% of patients when they have the right medication with the right dosage. However, antidepressants can take anywhere from weeks to months to see an improvement. Once patients find a successful medication regimen, they may require treatment for the rest of their lives.

How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work?

When patients exhaust traditional methods of treatment, they may start looking for alternative treatment options. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) changes the neuronal activity where mood regulation occurs. This change occurs through electromagnetic pulses into the prefrontal cortex of the brain.

The electromagnetic pulses do not hurt, but they can feel uncomfortable. The slight discomfort is not enough to cause the patient to end their treatments. Headaches are a common side effect experienced after transcranial magnetic stimulation, and they typically decrease over the course of the treatment.

Over time, patients notice an improvement in their mental health during these treatments. The treatments include daily sessions lasting 20 minutes for six to eight weeks. Approximately 67% of TMS patients achieve a positive response to treatment. In fact, a third of TMS patients saw full-remission of their symptoms over time.

Aside from the time spent at the appointments, TMS doesn’t interfere with daily life. In fact, patients can go right back to their daily routine after receiving treatment. Other procedures may require anesthesia and a ride home from the appointments. 

Call Today About TMS Treatment

If you have tried antidepressants and talk therapy without achieving significant improvement, transcranial magnetic stimulation may be appropriate for you. It has shown promise among those with treatment-resistant depression. For more information contact TMS Global Network today at 502-742-8182 to see if TMS is the ideal treatment option for your depression.