How Magnetic Pulses Can Help Manage Clinical Depression

Managing clinical depression often involves a varied and adaptable approach. The first lines of treatment tend to utilize medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy. These approaches can be perfectly sufficient for helping an individual to successfully manage their depression, greatly improving their quality of life. However, some affected by clinical depression may not respond satisfactorily to conventional therapy. If you're on medication and are attending therapy for your depression, yet feel that these methods aren't delivering the desired results, you might want to explore the possibility of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

Specialist Treatment

TMS therapy isn't the first resort for managing clinical depression, but it can be deployed when other forms of treatment haven't been as effective as was hoped. This is a specialist form of treatment, but don't be afraid to discuss it with your therapist or physician, who can then provide the necessary referral.

A Targeted Magnetic Pulse

The TMS equipment delivers a targeted magnetic pulse into your brain. Although this probably sounds quite dramatic, the process itself is noninvasive. Different parts of your brain regulate different functions, and the magnetic pulse is directed at the sections which coordinate an individual's mood. By stimulating this site, TMS therapy is thought to elevate your sense of well-being, which can essentially alleviate many depressive tendencies. 

Treatment Sessions

As mentioned, the process is noninvasive. You don't require any attachments (such as electrodes) to be directly connected to your body. Your TMS therapy requires a magnetic coil (mounted on a metal arm) to be positioned against your forehead. You simply sit back, relax, and the machine is then activated for the session. During the first session, the optimal level of magnetic output will be determined, so its frequency may be varied, and your physical reaction will be noted. Your doctor is seeking to reach your motor-evoked potential. This can result in tingling and even twitching of your hands and toes. You may be asked to describe sensations as they occur.

Ongoing Treatment

As with most forms of therapy, TMS requires repetition. You will need to attend regular sessions, with the best schedule determined by your doctor. You'll quickly get used to the process, which involves sitting in a comfortable chair with ear protection (the coil can emit sounds that may affect your hearing). Side effects are rare, but they should always be reported. Most patients won't experience anything more than a minor headache or some light irritation on their forehead where the magnetic coil is targeted. 

TMS therapy isn't the go-to method for treating clinical depression, but the effects of ongoing treatment can be quite distinctive. If conventional treatments aren't working for you, consider asking your doctor about TMS therapy.