New research is showing that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has significant benefits for many sufferers of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. At Amen Clinics, we have found TMS to be an effective option for many patients. Treatment of depression with TMS is effective for many people; it is safe, easy and there are virtually no side effects. Now we know that for some people whose depression doesn’t seem to be resolved with medication, supplements or psychotherapy, TMS is a viable option for long-term relief.
Some depressed adults just don’t get results from medication, or the side effects from medication are too much to bear. In 2008 the FDA approved transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating depressed adults for whom at least one antidepressant has failed to effectively resolve the symptoms of depression.
TMS works by using pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate neurons in the parts of your brain that affect mood. The result is increased blood flow and glucose metabolism, which may elevate your mood.
The recent study was led by investigator Linda L. Carpenter, MD, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, and chief, Mood Disorders Program, Butler Hospital, in Providence, Rhode Island. It involved over 300 patients from across the nation who suffered from “drug resistant” depression, and it showed two important results:
- Acute treatment with TMS provided symptomatic improvement in 62% of patients, and 41% of patients experienced complete remission.
- After 12 months, out of those who had gotten relief from that acute TMS treatment, 68% achieved symptomatic improvement, and 45% reported complete remission.
It should be noted that the benefits of the acute treatment coincided with a common sense course of continuing antidepressant medication and additional TMS treatments when symptoms reoccurred.
Amen Clinics Approach to TMS
We added transcranial magnetic stimulation to our arsenal of treatments options at Amen Clinics because we understand that no two brains are alike. Some brains do not respond as well to medication or supplements as others; some brains are more powerfully impacted by physical exercise and dietary changes; some respond well to magnetic stimulation. Often, it’s the right mix of many treatments that makes the difference.
At Amen Clinics, we find that TMS is most effective when guided by SPECT imaging that tells us what is happening physiologically in the patient’s brain. You can contact our Care Coordinators at Amen Clinics online here, or call at 888-288-9834.
Is economical help for people who can’t afford so much money?
Comment by Grace — April 21, 2018 @ 1:31 AM
I hope you will open a Clinic in South Florida,,,,,Dania Beach Florida or Hollywood Florida…….
Florida needs you! Thank you,
Comment by Jeanne Trembly — April 21, 2018 @ 7:15 PM
How does TMS impact memory? I am 70 years old and have had persistent depression since I was 8 years old. I take anti-depressant medications (since 1995) which work moderately well. However, my memory is not quite as sharp as it once was. I am wondering if TMS could give me relief without deteriorating my memory.
Comment by Christine — January 31, 2022 @ 10:19 AM
I’m 55 and have had depression since about 6. I’ve taken different antidepressants and zoloft worked for while. Still take it, but it doesn’t seem to work anymore . The Husband is no help at all. Won’t take the time to seriously talk or be bothered with it / me.
He works all the time and tells me I just need to get my head wrapped around a project, or start a business.
I feel like I would have had such a better life if I wasn’t this way. Not to mention the people around me. Please advise. I can’t live like this anymore.
Comment by Liz — February 6, 2022 @ 3:08 PM
Hello Liz, thank you for reaching out. Amen Clinics currently has 9 locations: https://amenclinics.com/locations/. For more information about scheduling, please contact our Care Coordinators: https://amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/.
Comment by Amen Clinics — February 9, 2022 @ 11:20 AM
It was helpful when you said that TSMS could provide significant benefits to those who are suffering from depression as it does not have side effects. My husband and I want to help our 23-year old daughter who has been suffering from depression since she lost her boyfriend for 7 years due to an auto accident. We want to find an effective way to treat her depression since she has been self-destructing. Thanks for sharing this.
Comment by Shammy Peterson — March 4, 2022 @ 3:48 PM