Antidepressant Options Compared: Whether TMS or Conventional Medication Suits Your Mental Health Needs Best
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new treatment that has been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional antidepressants. This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, offering a targeted, non-pharmacological approach to managing depression [1][2][4].
TMS has shown to be effective, particularly for individuals who have not found relief from traditional antidepressants. Clinical studies have demonstrated substantial improvements in depressive symptoms, even in those with treatment-resistant depression [4]. At our platform, 85% of patients show improvement with TMS, and 46% have depression remission with TMS [5].
While traditional antidepressants have been frontline treatments for decades, they work systemically by altering neurotransmitter levels. However, about one in three people don't find relief from depression with these medications, and they often cause side effects leading to discontinuation [2]. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and sexual dysfunction [2].
In contrast, TMS typically causes fewer and milder adverse effects. The most common TMS side effects are mild scalp or facial tingling, headache, or discomfort during treatment, and a very low risk of seizures with proper screening and calibration [2][4].
Accessibility-wise, TMS requires specialized equipment and repeated clinic visits over several weeks, which may limit availability to some regions or facilities equipped with TMS devices [1][5]. Antidepressants, by contrast, are widely accessible and prescribed in most healthcare settings and can be taken at home. However, for populations like postpartum women, TMS offers a safe alternative avoiding medication's potential impact on breastfeeding [3].
Consulting with a mental health professional is crucial in making this important decision. Treatment is highly individualized and should be tailored to each person's lifestyle, history, and needs. TMS sessions typically last about 15-20 minutes and are usually done five times a week for four to six weeks [4].
Depression is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can lead to symptoms such as persistent sadness, changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts and actions. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, contact us at (844) 867-8444 for a consultation and take a step towards a brighter, healthier future.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4680790/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258925/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4680790/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6543810/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6736697/
- Science has been exploring new treatments for depression, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which offers an alternative to traditional antidepressants that may not work for some individuals, including those with treatment-resistant depression.
- TMS, a non-pharmacological approach to managing depression, has shown substantial improvements in depressive symptoms, even in those who have not benefited from traditional treatments, and it typically causes fewer and milder adverse effects compared to antidepressants.
- Health-and-wellness professionals might consider mental-health therapies-and-treatments like TMS for individuals seeking depression treatment, especially for those who have not found relief from traditional antidepressants, as TMS offers a targeted, non-invasive option that can be tailored to each person's lifestyle, history, and needs.
