Transcranial magnetic stimulation, also known as TMS therapy, is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses powerful electromagnets to stimulate specific areas of the brain. TMS has been around for over 100 years and was originally used as a treatment for depression. Today, it's used to treat many different conditions, including anxiety disorders, addiction, pain management, and more.
Here are the four main reasons why the procedure has become increasingly popular:
1. It's Effective in Treating Depression
TMS is an effective treatment option for major depressive disorder. It is often considered a better option when antidepressant medication and psychotherapy don't help or when rapid response is required, such as in cases of suicidal ideation.
The procedure also benefits patients who are not good candidates for other depression treatments due to contraindications with medications or lack of availability. Further, it is recommended for patients that have had an insufficient response to other non-pharmacological treatments. In some cases, this therapy is used as a stand-alone treatment for depression. On other occasions, it is combined with medication and psychotherapy.
2. It Can Significantly Improve Memory and Learning
TMS therapy is a non-invasive and safe procedure that can provide short-term but long-lasting results in individuals who have difficulties with memory. For instance, it is recommended for patients suffering from head trauma and memory loss (TBM). It can lead to a significant improvement in your memory, allowing you to remember things better. If someone has been diagnosed with ADHD, TMS can substantially improve working memory and attention span.
3. It Is Effective in Treating Anxiety and Addiction
TMS is used to treat a range of mental and emotional conditions, such as anxiety. It does so by stimulating areas related to emotions while decreasing reactivity from emotional stimuli in patients who can't find relief through more traditional methods. Sometimes, the stimulation can target areas of the brain that are responsible for addiction cravings. In other words, it helps reduce cravings by targeting specific pathways in the prefrontal cortex associated with addictive behaviors.
4. It Enhances Creativity
TMS increases creativity by stimulating one hemisphere of the brain. Thus, it can help patients derive creative solutions to complex problems and find answers they would not have otherwise considered. More significantly, it stimulates the brain's natural production of chemicals that help you think better.
TMS therapy is a popular treatment option for depression and other conditions. If you have been struggling with a mental health issue, it might be the right time to try TMS. Talk to your primary care provider or psychologists today and see if it could help improve your quality of life. They can provide more information regarding TMS therapy.