Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, or TMS therapy was approved in 2008 by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder. It involves placing a magnetic field producing coil on the scalp to stimulate neurons in the brain. Researching TMS for depression may be a viable treatment solution.

When patients use various prescription drugs for depression, they may suffer side effects such as nausea, weight gain, insomnia and sexual dysfunction. In one third of the patients, side effects or not, they may not even achieve remission of their depression. These treatment resistant depression sufferers are possible candidates for TMS therapy.

At a TMS Los Angeles office, outpatient clients are given a daily, 40 minute treatment for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Essentially, their daily therapy involves placing the treatment coil on their head, that will produce similar type and strength of magnetic fields that are used in an MRI. The magnetic field in TMS therapy reaches 2 to 3 centimeters to target portions of the brain directly below the coil.

It is believed that the TMS therapy causes the release of serotonin, dopamine and similar neurotransmitters that can treat or moderate depression. Prevailing research estimates 50 percent of patients saw serious improvement in depression systems with TMS therapy. Further, a third of the patients saw complete symptom relief for their depression. One of the additional advantages to TMS therapy is the lack of side effects, especially when compared to typical antidepressants.

While TMS therapy may not be the right treatment for everyone, there is mounting evidence that it provides some relief that is not obtained through psychiatry or traditional antidepressants. A user must weigh their treatment options and physician advice carefully to find the proper solution for their uniquely individual situation.
Good references here: www.bowmanmedicaltms.com