TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is designed to help people who suffer most from depression to start feeling better again.
4.8 Million Treatments Administered
82% of Patients See Improvement
65% of Patients See Full Remission
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses strong, magnetic pulses distributed through a coil to regulate the neural activity of brain structures associated with depression.
While you may feel slight pressure on top of your head, most patients adapt to the sensation after just a couple of sessions.
Rest assured, you do not have to start a new medication regimen throughout TMS.
An analysis of 1,753 patients showed that the average patient achieved a sustained response after just 16 treatments.
About 83% of patients who complete a full course of TMS show a clinically meaningful response and about 62% experience a full remission, meaning their symptoms go away completely
Sessions are about 20 minutes and you can drive to and from your appointments. The full course covered by insurance usually takes about 6-8 weeks to complete.
All major payers cover TMS treatment for Depression. If you've tried multiple antidepressants and therapy, there's a good chance your insurance covers it.
Hi there, my name is Perry Githens. I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner and have been helping folks with their mental health for many years now. I got my master's degree in psychiatric nursing from Wilkes University. I'm also board certified through ANCC in psychiatry.
Some of the main things I work with include medication management for things like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and substance use issues like alcohol and opioid addiction. I also have experience treating co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. The people I help come from all walks of life. Some are just starting out on their mental health journey and medication for the first time, while others have multiple diagnoses and treatment needs.
Over the years I've supported folks in all sorts of settings like rehab facilities, geriatric psych units, and adolescent inpatient programs. But what I love most about my job is getting to know each individual person and building that therapeutic connection. It's so rewarding to help folks find peace and happiness after struggling for so long. I enjoy working with people of all ages, from kids to older adults. Having such a diverse practice keeps things interesting!
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is an alternative treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, but it is most commonly used to treat major depression and anxiety. This non-invasive therapy involves using a targeted magnetic field to stimulate under-active neurons in specific parts of the brain. TMS therapy typically takes about 6 weeks and is over 70% effective for providing long-term relief from depression symptoms.
Depression is caused by a lack of sufficient activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, essentially the front left part of your brain. When this area is working properly, the entire brain lights up, creating an improved mood, working memory, and selective attention. TMS works by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This is done by placing a magnetic coil near the head, which produces magnetic pulses that stimulate the nerve cells in the targeted area.
TMS may be a good option for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments for depression, such as medication and psychotherapy. However, it is important to speak with a mental health professional to determine if TMS is right for you.
During TMS treatment, you can sit comfortably and perform passive activities like reading a book, watching TV, or listening to music. Most patients report that TMS treatment feels like a gentle tapping sensation on the skull. Some patients experience a tingling or scalp sensitivity at the stimulation site during treatment, which can typically be mitigated by placing the device at a slightly different angle.
The most commonly reported side effects of TMS therapy include mild headache, scalp discomfort during stimulation, and lightheadedness, all of which are typically resolved shortly after the treatment session or within the first week. Many patients report no side effects at all.
Yes, TMS therapy is covered by almost all major insurance companies, depending on your insurance plan. Insurance plans can also have requirements for coverage, such as a prior history of antidepressant medication use or therapy treatments.
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