TMS Therapy vs. Antidepressants:
Depression Treatment in Spokane
5 Minute Read
When it comes to treating depression and anxiety, finding the right therapy is crucial for both immediate relief and long-term well-being.
In Spokane, Washington, patients seeking effective, personalized care may encounter a variety of treatment options, including antidepressants and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy. Both approaches aim to help alleviate the symptoms of depression, but they do so in very different ways. This article provides a comprehensive overview of TMS Therapy and antidepressants, exploring their effectiveness, side effects, and why TMS Therapy may be a preferred choice for some individuals in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and surrounding areas.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS Therapy) is an FDA-Approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain. This therapy is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in patients who have not responded well to traditional antidepressants. Unlike antidepressant medications, which aim to adjust brain chemistry through the introduction of chemicals, TMS Therapy works by using magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas associated with mood regulation. This cutting-edge treatment that enables TMS to help regulate dysfunctional activity related to mood disorders.
In Spokane, psychiatrists may recommend TMS Therapy as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies like talk therapy for individuals who haven’t found success with medications alone. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a drug-free treatment for depression.
How TMS Therapy Works
TMS Therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that plays a vital role in regulating mood. These magnetic pulses help:
• Increase neural activity in the regions of the brain that are often underactive in people with depression
• Stimulate the creation of new neural pathways, which can help improve brain function and emotional regulation
• Regulate non-beneficial neural activity associated with negative emotions like fear and anxiety
• Promote the production of beneficial neurotransmitters that help balance mood and emotions, such as serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine.
The beauty of TMS Therapy is that it works in a targeted way, addressing depression by modulating brain activity. In Spokane, TMS Therapy is administered through sessions that typically take less than 30 minutes, with no downtime afterward. TMS is generally well-tolerated, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the treatment.
Antidepressant Medications: How Do They Work?
Antidepressants work by altering the brain’s chemical balance, specifically targeting neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are vital for regulating mood. By impacting these brain chemicals, antidepressants help alleviate the symptoms of depression. There are several classes of antidepressant medications, each with its own unique mechanism of action.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. SSRIs work to increase serotonin levels and are often the first choice for treatment.
• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) work similarly to SSRIs, but also boost norepinephrine, making them effective for moderate to severe depression and anxiety.
• Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs) focus on increasing norepinephrine and dopamine, which play roles in mood and motivation, and are used for both depression and certain types of anxiety.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are older medications. They are still considered effective but come with more side effects, leading them to be used less frequently today.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine but require strict dietary restrictions and are typically used when other antidepressants don’t work.
Side Effects of Antidepressants
While antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression, they are not without risks. Side effects can vary from mild to severe and may include:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Sexual dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Increased suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger individuals
Because antidepressants can affect individuals differently, it is not uncommon for patients to need to try different medications or adjust dosages multiple times to find the most effective treatment for their specific needs.
The process of finding the right antidepressant can take time, and it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary.
TMS Therapy vs. Antidepressants: Side Effects
A key distinction between TMS Therapy and antidepressants is the side effect profile. While antidepressants often come with a range of unwanted side effects, TMS Therapy has negligible side effects.
For example, TMS Therapy does not involve introducing any chemicals into the body. This eliminates the risk of adverse drug reactions, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue, which are commonly associated with antidepressants. In fact, most patients find that TMS Therapy has little to no side effects.
The most common side effects reported by TMS Therapy patients are:
• Mild scalp discomfort: Some people experience a tingling or light discomfort at the site of stimulation. This typically only occurs during treatment and subsides after a few sessions.
• Headaches: A mild headache is another rare side effect that sometimes occurs during the treatment, with most reporting that it subsides at the end of the treatment session.
These side effects are usually temporary, and fewer than 5% of patients discontinue treatment because of them. The major advantage here is that the absence of systemic side effects makes TMS Therapy a highly appealing option for those who have struggled with the side effects of antidepressants.
Why Choose TMS Therapy in Spokane?
For residents of Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington, TMS Therapy offers a promising solution to treating depression and anxiety. If you’ve tried antidepressants without success or have been frustrated by their side effects, TMS Therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In addition to being a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects, TMS Therapy has been extensively studied and proven effective for many patients.
Studies have shown 71.5% of patients suffering treatment-resistant depression (TRD) experience significant improvement or full remission with TMS Therapy. For many, TMS Therapy provides lasting relief, often after just a few weeks of treatment.
Additionally, because TMS Therapy is non-invasive and outpatient, you can return to your daily activities immediately after each session, making it an excellent choice for individuals with busy lives in Spokane and Spokane Valley.
Is TMS Therapy Right for You?
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety and traditional medications have not provided lasting relief, TMS Therapy could be a game-changer for you.
At the NeuroStim TMS Center in Spokane, we are dedicated to helping individuals find lasting relief from mood disorders and reclaim hope, healing, and health. Whether you’ve experienced side effects from antidepressants or simply haven’t found success with other treatments, TMS Therapy offers a safe, effective, and drug-free alternative that can make a real difference in your life.
Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health
Contact us at NeuroStim TMS to learn more about how TMS Therapy can help you or your loved ones regain control of mental health. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future with TMS Therapy.