If you’re experiencing depression that is not responding to medication, you may be wondering if there are any other treatment options available to you. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an exciting treatment that is approved by the FDA and has shown great results in helping people with depression. Here at TMS Elevated in Park City, Utah, we offer this therapy and would be happy to answer any questions you have.
How Soon Will You See Results From TMS?
The amount of time it takes for a person to see results from transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy depends on a number of factors, including the severity of their condition, how long they have had it, and how consistent they are with their treatments. In general, most people see results after two weeks. Others may take 4 to 5 weeks.
However, if someone does not see results after six weeks of treatment, this does not mean that the treatment is not working – it may simply mean that another approach is needed. It is important to work with a psychiatrist to determine the best treatment plan for your individual case.
Evidence-Based Complementary Treatments to Fast-Track Results
Meditation
The impact of meditation on our well-being is significant. When we meditate, we are essentially training our brain to focus and stay in the projected moment, while also activating the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for controlling our cognitive functions. This can have a profound effect on our daily lives, as it allows us to be more mindful and attentive to the tasks at hand.
In addition, meditation has been shown to increase gray matter density in certain areas of the brain, including the hippocampus (which is responsible for memory) and the anterior cingulate cortex (which is responsible for emotion). These changes can lead to improved cognitive function, reduced stress levels, and enhanced emotional well-being.
Nutrition
There is a clear relationship between our overall health and well-being and the food that we eat. What we put into our bodies has a significant impact on our mood, energy levels, and ability to cope with stress. There are a number of specific nutrients that are particularly beneficial for managing stress and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy brain function, and deficiencies in this nutrient have been linked with increased rates of depression.
Another important nutrient for mood is vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation. Foods rich in B12 include shellfish, beef liver, and fortified milk. In addition, it’s important to ensure that you are getting enough protein. Protein is necessary for the production of dopamine, another neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation.
Supplements
There is a great deal of scientific evidence demonstrating that supplements can help manage our stress levels and depression. For example, magnesium is known to help regulate stress levels. When used in combination with TMS treatment, supplements can help to further speed up the results that are seen. This is because supplements can help to optimize the function of the brain, making it easier to achieve our desired treatment outcome.
Factors That Can Determine How Fast You See Results
Personality
The type of personality you have can determine how fast you see results and how long the results last. For example, people who are highly motivated and goal-oriented may see faster results than those who are less driven. This is because highly-motivated individuals will be more likely to stick to their treatment plan and do everything they can to get the most out of it.
On the other hand, someone who is more laid-back and relaxed may not be as motivated to push themselves, which could lead to slower results. There are also scientific explanations for how personality can affect your results. One theory is that people with different personalities have different brain patterns, which can affect how they respond to treatment.
The Severity of Your Condition
The severity of someone’s depression can definitely affect how fast they see results. For people with more severe depression, it may take longer for them to see any changes in their mood or symptoms. However, this does not mean that the treatment is not effective for them – it just may take longer for the benefits to be seen. We usually recommend combining this therapy with other treatment modalities (such as meditation and nutrition) for those with more severe depression.
History of Mental Disorders
Individuals who have a history of mental disorders may need to be a little patient to see results. However, it’s important to note that everyone responds differently to treatment, and it may take some time for patients to see the full benefits.
Some studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation is helpful in treating bipolar disorder, and it may also be beneficial for people with other mental health conditions. Our psychiatrist, Melissa Lopez-Larson, MD, will evaluate your mental health history, and carefully track your progress during treatment to ensure you’re getting the most out of each treatment session.
Intensity of Pulses
The intensity of the pulses delivered during treatment can affect how quickly you see results. Higher intensity pulses can produce faster results, but they can also cause side effects. Lower intensity pulses can cause fewer side effects, but they may take longer to produce results. The key to a complete remission is to seek the services of an experienced psychiatrist to ensure that the intensity of the pulses is adjusted correctly for you, and to minimize any risk of side effects.
Type of Treatment Used
There are three different types of TMS treatments: repetitive (rTMS), single pulse, and paired-pulse. Each one has a different mechanism of action and can result in different speeds of treatment. For example, the goal of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is to induce changes that last beyond the treatment period.
How Many Treatment Sessions Does It Take To See Full Benefits?
The number of treatment sessions that are needed to see full benefits typically ranges from 30 to 36. These treatments are spread out over 6-9 weeks. While some patients may experience a noticeable difference after just a few treatments, others may require all 30 sessions to achieve the desired results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Those Who Want To Avoid Medication
Though medication is often the first line of treatment for conditions like depression, not all medications will work for everyone. Some people may find relief from non-medication treatments like talk therapy or brain stimulation techniques. Taking a holistic approach is also important when looking for treatment options.
Those Who Haven’t Found Success With Medication
In some cases, medication may work for a while and then stop being effective. This can be frustrating, especially if you have been taking medication for a while and it has not improved your symptoms. If this is the case, you may want to consider trying brain stimulation techniques.
Those Who Cannot Tolerate the Side Effects of Prescription Medication
Side effects of antidepressants can include dry mouth, weight gain, and sexual problems. Some antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), can also cause a discontinuation syndrome, which is a group of symptoms that occur when you stop taking the drug. These symptoms can include brain zaps, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
What Are the Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
No Downtime
Patients remain awake and alert during the treatment process, which takes 30-40 minutes. There is no anesthesia or sedation required and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. This makes it an ideal treatment for busy individuals who are looking for a depression treatment with no downtime.
Effective Treatment for MDD
This brain stimulation technique has been proven to be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression can lead to a wide range of emotional and physical problems that can interfere with everyday life. According to the World Health Organisation, major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States.
Say Goodbye to Depression!
Depression can be a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life. Thankfully, transcranial magnetic stimulation can help to alleviate symptoms. In most cases, people see significant improvement in their mood and overall wellbeing in 2-5 weeks. If you are struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to speak to us at TMS Elevated in Park City, Utah. We would be happy to help you get started on the path to recovery.