In some cases, depression doesn’t respond to medication. While this may seem maddening, there is hope. With the help of TMS therapy for depression near Clearwater, FL, you can manage and reduce your depression symptoms. However, many people wonder, what is TMS therapy? How does it work? Why is it effective?
At South Tampa Psychiatry, we provide you with the answers you need to feel confident about your recovery options. In addition, our expert staff members will work with you through each step of your depression treatment. Contact us today at 866.273.5017 for more information about how TMS can help you recover from depression.
What Is TMS Therapy for Depression Near Clearwater, FL?
In most cases, psychotherapy and antidepressants are initial treatment options for depression. However, not all patients respond to these treatment options. In such cases, transcranial magnetic stimulation, otherwise known as TMS, can be an effective treatment option in addition to antidepressants and psychotherapy. You may consider TMS therapy if your depression hasn’t responded to medications or psychotherapy.
When you come to your first TMS treatment, your treatment expert will ask you to remove any magnetic objects, like jewelry or credit cards. This is due to the fact that TMS uses magnetic pulses. They will then give you earplugs to wear for your comfort and hearing protection because the process produces a loud click with each pulse, similar to an MRI machine. After that, you will sit down to begin treatment.
Your treatment expert will position the TMS coil over your head and suspend it over your scalp. Then, they will administer a series of brief pulses to measure your motor threshold, which is the minimum amount of stimulation to make your fingers and hand twitch. This threshold varies from person to person. By carefully measuring your motor threshold, we can personalize your treatment settings. Your treatment expert will not recheck this at every treatment. However, they may reassess it if they think that it may have changed.
Once your treatment expert determines your motor threshold, they will then bring the coil forward to sit on top of the front area of your brain. They then go ahead with the treatment. You’ll hear several clicking sounds during this time and feel the treatment coil tapping on your head.
Why Does TMS Therapy Work?
Many people wonder why this treatment is useful as they seek TMS therapy for depression near Clearwater, FL. This treatment produces changes in the way your brain regulates moods. The magnetic stimulation will pass through your skull and into your brain. In doing so, it stimulates the underlying brain cells’ activity. In most cases, the stimulation affects the serotonin production in your brain.
How often your treatment specialist delivers the pulses can also influence the brain’s activity during TMS treatment. The place where the specialist places the coil can also impact how your brain reacts to the treatment.
You may not see results after the first treatment. However, after the third treatment, you should begin seeing fewer depression symptoms.
Contact South Tampa Psychiatry Today
Battling depression can leave you feeling worn out and exhausted. However, with the help of TMS therapy for depression near Clearwater, FL, you can recover. At South Tampa Psychiatry, we want to help you thoroughly recover from your mental illness. In addition to our treatment options for depression, we also provide treatment for a range of other conditions, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Dual diagnosis conditions
Depression doesn’t have to control your life anymore. If medication and psychotherapy haven’t effectively addressed your condition, contact South Tampa Psychiatry today at 866.273.5017.
