TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), coils of wire are applied to the scalp, and electrical charges produced by changes in the coils’ magnetic fields are used to stimulate the brain. Since that there is no need to enter the body in any way, this treatment is regarded as non-invasive. A specific area of the brain changes how it functions or responds during TMS due to the electrical stimulation of the brain.

When multiple TMS impulses are used during a procedure rather than just one, it is known as repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or TMS. The electrical signals are rapid and painless despite their strength. The frequency of the electrical signals used in TMS might vary. For instance, high frequency (HF) rTMS causes brain activity in a particular area to increase, but low frequency (LF) rTMS generally causes a decrease in that area’s brain activity.

TMS/rTMS may be used to treat a variety of physical and mental health issues, according to research. Research shows that TMS and rTMS procedures are safe since they have been thoroughly examined and evaluated for safety. Headaches and sensations of tingling on the face and/or scalp are a few of the side effects that patients may experience.

Researchers frequently employ what are known as sham-controlled experiments to examine the effectiveness of TMS on a variety of illnesses. There are two participant groups in these research. TMS is administered to one group, the experimental group. With the exception of actually receiving the treatment, the second group, or control group, experiences nearly the same process. In a TMS trial, for instance, one group would receive TMS therapy while the other underwent the process of having coils applied to their scalps even though there would be no electrical current present.

TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder, sometimes known as depression, is a widespread mental health condition that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, major depressive illness is the main cause of disability.

Diagnoses of major depressive disorder are made when five or more symptoms last for two weeks. Either a low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure must be one of the symptoms. Changes in weight, sleep, body movement, feelings of exhaustion, feelings of shame or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, and/or thoughts of death or suicide are some additional symptoms that may appear.

According to research, depression is largely curable, and there are numerous evidence-based therapies available. The most popular methods for treating depression are talk therapy, medication, or a mix of the two.

Studies has demonstrated that talk therapy employing particular treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavior therapy, is an effective way to treat depression. There are many more evidence-based therapeutic techniques available for the treatment of depression. TMS is regarded as a suitable treatment for major depressive disorder when the depression is unresponsive to other approaches, such as talk therapy or medication.

The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region of the brain, is connected to major depressive disorder, according to research on the biochemical and neurological causes of depression. Research specifically indicates that depression may be a result of DLPFC activity that is lower than usual. High frequency electrical charges are used to specifically target the DLPFC during rTMS therapy for depression in order to boost activity there. In most cases, coils of wire with an electrical charge that resemble an eight are used in HF-rTMS therapy for depression.

Another type of rTMS uses an H-coil, which functions very similarly to a F8 coil and is shaped like the letter H. According to research, H-coils have consistent, transient antidepressant benefits for people with major depressive disorder.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and TMS

Obsessions, compulsions, or both must be present for a person to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Compulsions are mental activities or repetitive behaviors that people feel forced to conduct as a result of obsessions. Compulsions are undesired and recurrent thoughts that can involve pictures or desires.

OCD patients may experience severe anguish and significant impairment at work, in their personal and romantic relationships, and in other facets of their lives. There are many accessible evidence-based OCD treatments. The recommended treatment for OCD at the moment is psychotropic medication, frequently used in conjunction with talk therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Yet, there are situations when taking medication and/or receiving talk therapy is ineffective or when the side effects of the drug are problematic, necessitating the use of alternate OCD treatments.

There is some indication that some brain regions, particularly the DLPFC (also associated with depression), may have a role in OCD, though research in this area is still in its early stages. When conventional approaches to treating OCD, such as therapy and medication, have failed, rTMS has been studied as a potential treatment.

What other uses does TMS have?

TMS is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, and research suggests that it may also be effective for other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence, and tobacco use disorder, in patients who have not responded to standard treatments.

Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Stuart Alderton

Marcelo Matias

Natasha Fletcher