Consider These Benefits of TMS

Consider These Benefits of TMS

Have you ever wondered if you could benefit from alternative forms of treatment for depression? Psychotherapy and medication management are typically the first treatment options for depression, but, for some, these strategies don’t do enough to relieve mental and emotional health disturbances associated with depression.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment is an innovative option that’s noninvasive and also nonpharmacological. Dr. Ronald P. Winfield and the team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates of North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, offer TMS treatment to new and existing patients.

If you’re interested in TMS therapy, you should know more about the benefits that this form of treatment can offer you or a loved one suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

Noninvasive and nonpharmacological

Some people can’t take antidepressant medication due to existing health issues or problems related to potential medication side effects. If that describes you, TMS offers an excellent treatment alternative.

TMS treatment is also noninvasive and painless, with minimal to no post-treatment side effects to worry about. TMS therapy uses magnetic waves to stimulate your brain, forming new neural pathways without any need for sedation or anesthesia. At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, we use state-of-the-art hand-held TMS devices from CloudTMS.

During treatment, a stimulator coil rests on top of your head. If you feel any discomfort at all, you might notice a light pulsing feeling in the area where the stimulator coil touches your scalp. Any discomfort often fades after your first few treatment sessions.

Safe and effective

TMS has been approved by the US FDA as a safe and effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder for over a decade. Studies show that TMS treatment really can offer patients long-term relief from mental and emotional symptoms of depression. TMS also shows promise in off-label uses for a variety of mental health care needs.

The team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates offers TMS treatment on an outpatient basis. You’ll need a total of 36 treatment sessions spaced out over 12 weeks to complete TMS therapy. 

After you complete TMS treatment, the area of your brain that controls your mood is full of new connections and neurotransmitters, potentially giving you long-term relief from mental health symptoms. TMS treatment is effective for a majority of patients.

Could I be a candidate?

Studies show rare risks of seizures for patients who use alcohol during TMS therapy, or who take the medication Wellbutrin. You’ll need to plan on giving up alcohol while you’re undergoing TMS treatment. Talk to your provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates about if TMS therapy could be right for your physical and mental health care needs.

To learn more about the benefits of TMS treatment for depression, and to find out if you or a loved one with treatment-resistant depression could be a good candidate for this nonpharmacological treatment option, get in touch with Dr. Winfield and the team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates today. 

Book your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone now.

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Common Myths About Antidepressants

5 Common Myths About Antidepressants

Medication management provides symptom relief for many people struggling with depression. Are antidepressants right for you? Read to learn the truth, not the myths, about antidepressants. 
How Pharmacogenetic Testing (PGx) Works

How Pharmacogenetic Testing (PGx) Works

Finding the right medication to effectively treat your depression, anxiety, or other mental condition often poses challenges. Medications affect individuals differently. With pharmacogenetic testing (PGx), we streamline this process. Read more.
Why You Shouldn't Wait for a Crisis to Seek Psychotherapy

Why You Shouldn't Wait for a Crisis to Seek Psychotherapy

Many people think of psychotherapy as a tool for responding to mental health crisis situations. But you don’t need to wait for a crisis before reaching out to a therapist. Psychotherapy improves your life, no matter your starting point. Read more.
Understanding the Benefits of TMS

Understanding the Benefits of TMS

Sometimes, when you’re coping with mental illness, it benefits you to treat your brain, rather than just your symptoms. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, non-pharmacological way to treat depression.
 The Importance of Medication Management

 The Importance of Medication Management

Mental health conditions often improve with the right medication management. You can even combine medication with other forms of mental health support. Read to learn how medication management can help you.