If you or someone you know is suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD) near

Friendswood or League City Texas, there is hope. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy

is a simple and pain-free outpatient solution that can help alleviate the symptoms of TRD. Here are

four important things we now know about this innovative treatment:

TMS therapy, also known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy, has emerged as a highly

effective treatment option for individuals suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).

This innovative therapy has shown significant success rates in addressing the symptoms of TRD

and helping patients find relief from their depressive episodes.

Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of TMS therapy in treating TRD, and

the results have been promising. These studies have demonstrated remission rates of up to 60%

with TMS therapy, making it one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available for

depression.

Featured Experts: Treatment-resistant depression affects about 30% of people diagnosed with

major depressive disorder. Source: hopkinsmedicine.org

The success of TMS therapy lies in its ability to directly target and stimulate specific areas of the

brain that are responsible for mood regulation. During a TMS session, a coil is placed on the

patient's scalp, which generates a series of magnetic fields that penetrate the skull and reach the

targeted brain regions. These magnetic fields stimulate the neurons in the brain, promoting an

increase in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial

role in mood maintenance.

Unlike traditional treatments for depression, such as medication or talk therapy, TMS therapy does

not involve any systemic side effects. This non-invasive procedure is well-tolerated by patients and

does not require any anesthesia. TMS therapy sessions are generally conducted on an outpatient

basis, allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines while receiving treatment.

Another advantage of TMS therapy is its relatively short duration. A typical TMS session lasts

around 20 to 30 minutes, and the treatment course usually involves multiple sessions over several

weeks. This time commitment is minimal compared to other treatment options and allows patients

to fit the therapy into their schedules conveniently.

It is important to note that TMS therapy is typically considered when other standard treatment

options for depression, such as medication or therapy, have not proven effective. The effectiveness

of TMS therapy in addressing TRD provides hope for individuals who have found little relief from

conventional treatments.

2. TMS Therapy is Non-Invasive and Well-Tolerated

TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. It

doesn't require anesthesia or sedation, making it safe and convenient. Unlike surgical procedures

or implantable devices, TMS therapy doesn't involve penetrating the skin or incisions. This makes it

preferable for patients who can't or don't want invasive treatments.

Moreover, TMS therapy is well-tolerated by most patients. The treatment sessions are relatively

comfortable, and patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Mild

sensations, such as tapping or tingling, may be felt on the scalp during the magnetic pulses, but

these sensations are generally well-tolerated and do not cause significant pain or distress.

Unlike medications, TMS therapy does not have systemic side effects, such as weight gain or

sexual dysfunction, since the treatment is localized to the targeted areas of the brain. This non-

invasive approach also minimizes the risk of complications and allows patients to resume their

daily activities immediately after each session without any recovery time.

Additionally, TMS therapy can be easily personalized to each patient's needs. The treatment

parameters, including the intensity and frequency of the magnetic pulses, can be adjusted by the

TMS technician or psychiatrist to optimize the effectiveness of the therapy for the specific

condition being treated.

3. TMS Therapy Offers Lasting Results

One of the key advantages of TMS therapy is its ability to deliver lasting effects. Unlike medications

that may require continuous use or psychotherapy sessions that need to be attended regularly,

TMS therapy provides patients with a sustainable solution. This means that individuals who

undergo TMS therapy often experience relief from their symptoms beyond the completion of the

treatment program.

Many patients with treatment-resistant depression have reported significant and long-term

alleviation of their symptoms after undergoing TMS therapy while others do require maintenance or

follow-up sessions. This includes a reduction in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, as

well as improved sleep patterns and increased motivation. By targeting specific regions of the brain

associated with depression, TMS therapy helps normalize brain activity, leading to a lasting

restoration of mood and overall mental well-being.



Over time, the repeated stimulation of these regions strengthens the neural pathways associated

with positive mood and mental health. As a result, the positive effects of TMS therapy become

more ingrained, contributing to long-lasting relief from TRD symptoms.

ECT, although effective in treating severe depression, can have side effects such as memory loss

and cognitive impairment. In contrast, TMS therapy does not require anesthesia or sedation and

does not have the same cognitive risks associated with ECT.

The problem with ECT is that it requires general anesthesia along with multiple healthcare

providers to be involved. There is a risk of memory loss and the procedure may only provide short-

term benefits. Some patients don't like the fact that it requires an inducted seizure. These seizures

typically last 30-90 seconds.

Althought ECT may be slightly more effective than rTMS, ECT patients reported a higher percentage

of side effects and the TMS treatment scored better in terms of patient preference.
Source: Dovepress (PDF)

TMS therapy is a treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression that offers

long-lasting relief from depressed mood, anxiety, and other TRD symptoms. It is a non-invasive

treatment with minimal side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking sustainable

solutions. TMS therapy can provide hope for individuals struggling with TRD, helping them regain

control of their lives and experience lasting improvements in their mental health.

4. TMS Therapy is Available Locally in Friendswood, Texas

If you are seeking a local psychiatrist or psychiatric help for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD),

there are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy providers in Friendswood, Texas.

If you are considering TMS therapy, it is recommended to contact Friendswood Psychiatry and TMS

clinic to learn more about this treatment option and how it can help you. Our staff will provide a

thorough evaluation to determine if TMS therapy is suitable for your specific condition.

RECAP - Benefits of TMS Therapy

1. Non-invasive: TMS therapy does not require surgery or anesthesia, making it a safe and well-tolerated treatment option.

2. No systemic side effects: Unlike medications, TMS therapy does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or other common side effects associated with antidepressant drugs.

3. Outpatient procedure: TMS therapy sessions can be conducted in a clinic setting, allowing patients to return to their normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

4. Targeted approach: The magnetic pulses are precisely targeted to the specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, minimizing the effects on other brain regions.

TMS therapy is available at Friendswood Psychiatry and TMS Clinic for individuals seeking local psychiatric help for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). By normalizing brain activity, TMS therapy can alleviate symptoms of depression when other treatments have not been successful. Contact Dr. Irene Pedraza at our local TMS clinic to learn more about TMS therapy and its benefits or call (713) 487-5481.