MagStim

If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, see the specialists at Desert View Counseling & Consulting in Phoenix and Peoria, Arizona. Their highly skilled team offers MagStim® transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to ease bothersome or crippling symptoms. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or book one online today.

What is MagStim?

MagStim is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment that uses coils and magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, which affects about 30% of people with depression. This treatment eases ongoing or extreme sadness if medications and psychotherapy haven’t relieved bothersome symptoms.

Who is a candidate for MagStim?

Candidates for MagStim include people diagnosed with depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have already tried other treatments. Their symptoms might include:

• Ongoing sadness
• Extreme sad feelings
• Anxiety
• Social withdrawal 
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Thoughts of suicide
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Shame or guilt
• Substance misuse

See the Desert View Counseling & Consulting specialists at the first sign of treatment-resistant depression.

To determine if MagStim is right for you, the Desert View Counseling & Consulting team discusses your symptoms, past treatments, lifestyle, moods, emotions, and more. 

People who are not good candidates for TMS include those with a history of seizures or with implantable metal objects in or near their heads. 

What happens during MagStim TMS treatment?

During MagStim TMS, you rest in a comfortable chair while your provider places coils on your scalp. They emit painless magnetic pulses into nerve cells in your brain to reduce symptoms of depression or another mental health condition. 

You might hear tapping sensations or clicking sounds on your head during MagStim treatment. You can relax, watch television, or read during the sessions — which could last about 3-38 minutes.

It’s also beneficial to adopt healthy habits and undergo psychotherapy with the Desert View Counseling & Consulting team, as recommended by your provider. 

What should I expect after MagStim TMS?

Common side effects after MagStim treatment include mild scalp discomfort or headaches, but you can resume typical daily activities immediately. Your provider determines when to schedule your next TMS session. 

It’s common to receive treatment five times weekly for six weeks, but treatment recommendations vary from person to person. It’s common to undergo a total of 30-36 TMS treatments to achieve the best outcome.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth MagStim evaluation at Desert View Counseling & Consulting by phone or book an appointment online today.