TMS

If your depression doesn’t improve with antidepressants, it’s time to consider one of today’s most advanced treatments: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Krystal Donley, PMHNP, and the licensed therapists at Desert View Counseling & Consulting specialize in TMS, a noninvasive treatment that uses safe magnetic pulses to improve nerve activity and increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain. As these changes occur, symptoms improve. If you have questions about TMS or would like to learn if you’re a good candidate, call the office in Phoenix or Peoria, Arizona, or request an in-person or telehealth appointment online today. 

What is TMS?

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a noninvasive treatment that uses repeated magnetic impulses to stimulate nerves (neurons) in your brain. EEGs show that mental health disorders are associated with specific areas of the brain that have underperforming nerves. 

Sluggish neurons produce a small amount of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Low neurotransmitter levels cause the symptoms of your mental health condition.

During your TMS treatment, the magnetic pulses go through into your brain, where they stimulate electrical activity in the neurons. As a result, the nerves release more neurotransmitters, and your symptoms improve.

What conditions improve with TMS?

Desert View Counseling & Consulting often uses TMS for patients with treatment-resistant depression. You have treatment-resistant depression if you take two or more antidepressant medications and your symptoms don’t improve.  

In addition to treatment-resistant depression, TMS may treat:

• Major depressive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar depression
• Anxiety

The team at Desert View Counseling & Consulting uses EEGs to record your brain activity and identify your underactive area. Then they precisely treat that area with TMS.

What happens during a TMS session?

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for a TMS treatment other than wear comfortable clothes. You simply come to the office and relax in a soft treatment chair. Then your therapist places the round TMS device against your head and turns it on.

You hear clicking and may experience a slight tapping sensation during your treatment. Some people get a headache, but that usually goes away after a few sessions. In the meantime, you can prevent it by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Some people experience lightheadedness, scalp discomfort, or facial twitching. These minor side effects go away when the team at Desert View Counseling & Consulting adjusts the level of magnetic stimulation.

TMS sessions last about 20 minutes. When your treatment is over, you go back to your normal routine.

Most people get longer-lasting results when they have a series of TMS treatments. The typical treatment protocol includes five sessions every week for 4-6 weeks. However, your treatment may vary depending on how quickly your symptoms improve.

To learn if you’re a good candidate for TMS, call Desert View Counseling & Consulting or book an appointment online today.