Conditions like depression impact a significant portion of the population, many of whom don’t get the right support for their mental health. When treating conditions like depression, there can be a focus on prescription medication. If you want to explore alternatives, then TMS therapy may be a good choice. Learn more about TMS, how it works, its benefits, and complementary therapies at PACE Mental Health Houston.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a type of therapy that stimulates nerve cells in your brain. This happens through the use of magnetic fields.
TMS therapy isn’t necessarily the first approach to addressing depression. In fact, it is often a strategy for anyone who has not found success with other therapies or medications. If standard therapies don’t work, then individuals may find that the best TMS therapy Houston has to offer can be helpful.
The idea behind TMS is that magnetic pulses delivered to the brain will stimulate nerve cells. Specifically, it stimulates nerve cells in the areas of the brain that are responsible for things like mood and any depression symptoms. The science behind why TMS works isn’t exactly clear. What is clear, however, is that TMS can be an effective form of therapy for many people.
How TMS Works
If you’re thinking about TMS therapy for yourself or a loved one, then you’ll want to know what it entails and what you can expect from the process. To start, you’ll have to complete a full physical exam. You also, of course, need a depression diagnosis. These steps ensure that TMS is going to be the right kind of therapy for you.
This is not an invasive procedure, so you don’t need to prepare with a special diet or worry about anesthesia. You’ll typically sit in a comfortable reclining chair, put in a pair of earplugs, and then a doctor will identify the best place for magnet placement.
The doctor will use a magnetic coil placed against your head to deliver a controlled magnetic pulse. You may feel a twitch in your hands as the doctor finds the right threshold for your body. The whole process lasts about 40 minutes. Afterward, you can walk out of the office and drive yourself home or get back to work without delay.
Going Beyond Prescriptions
A TMS therapy program can be useful in reducing the symptoms of depression. However, it doesn’t have to be the only strategy you employ in the fight against depression. Many people find that TMS therapy works well in conjunction with other options.
For example, you might find that certain prescription medications ease the symptoms of depression but don’t eliminate them. Using TMS might make a big difference, or it could help you reduce your dosage of anti-depressants over the long term. If you don’t want to take certain prescription drugs, or if they are simply not effective for you, then alternatives like a TMS therapy program can be a tremendous help.
TMS Considerations
If you’re looking for Houston depression therapy options, then TMS might be an excellent option for you. However, there are some considerations you’ll need to make first. Fortunately, there are virtually no risks or severe side effects involved with TMS. It is also a short procedure with no recovery time necessary.
However, some people don’t get relief from their symptoms. Other may need more than one session for lasting relief. Very rarely, hearing loss can occur if you don’t use the provided earplugs.
Choosing TMS Support From PACE Mental Health
As you explore the TMS therapy Houston can provide, consider PACE Mental Health Houston. Depression is just one of the many conditions covered at PACE Mental Health Houston, and you can even get help for co-occurring disorders if necessary. Some of the perks of this location include:
- Flexible appointment options
- Medication therapy management
- Short wait times
- Comprehensive therapy options
- Full psychiatric consultation and evaluation
TMS therapy is a low-risk strategy that can effectively reduce the symptoms of depression. If you struggle with depression and want to get professional help, then PACE Mental Health Houston is a great option. Call 866.971.8423 for more information about TMS and whether it can work for you.