New Treatment for Depression

There are always advances in treatments for depression, like transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Sometimes, for people with depression, it feels like the world has gone dark. It is almost like the lights are off in their brain, like there is no joy or anything happening to brighten up the day.

Treatments for depression vary widely and can take time for patients and their provider to find the most effective type and dosage of medications. Some medications can also have side effects that are not ideal. The good news is that there are always advances in treatments for depression, like transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, modern, and non-invasive way to help “turn the lights back on” in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is designed specifically for people who have tried medications for depression but did not get the relief they needed.

How Does TMS Work?

The treatment involves a machine with a coil that looks a bit like a wand or a specialized paddle. A doctor places this coil gently against your scalp. The device sends multiple short magnetic pulses directly into a specific part of your brain called the prefrontal cortex, which is at the front of the head. This part of the brain controls mood, and for people with depression, it often isn’t active enough.

When the magnet pulses, it creates harmless electrical current that travels through the skull and activates the brain cells underneath. This helps improve mood regulation.

What Happens During a Session?

Most people report that a TMS session is quite tolerable.

1. Comfort: You will sit in a comfortable, reclining chair, like a dentist's chair.
2. Sensation: When the machine is on, you will feel a tapping or clicking sensation on your head. It feels like someone is lightly tapping their finger quickly on your scalp.
3. No Downtime: As soon as the 20 minutes TMS session is over, you can drive yourself home or return to work or school immediately.
4. Frequency: It is not a one-time thing. You need to go to the TMS Center five days a week for about seven weeks. Repetition and consistency are the key to getting the full benefit of the TMS treatment.

Key Benefits of TMS

• Effective: Studies show that about 50-60% of people with "stubborn" depression (treatment-resistant) feel much better after TMS, and many see their symptoms go away entirely.
• No Medication Side Effects: Unlike pills, TMS doesn't cause weight gain, sleepiness, or nausea.
• Long-Lasting: The improvements often last for many months, even after the sessions end.
• Safe: It is FDA-cleared and very safe, with mild side effects like a temporary headache or scalp discomfort that goes away fast.

Who is TMS For?

TMS is for adults who have tried medication and still feel depressed. It is not for people with metal implants (like metal plates or coils) in their heads.

How do you access TMS locally?

The first step is to visit https://neurostar.com/self-assessment-for-depression/ to complete a questionnaire to determine if you are a candidate for TMS.

Then you should discuss your options with your primary care provider. They can complete the referral forms for treatment at Rutland Regional and then monitor your progress in collaboration with the RRMC TMS providers during the weeks you receive TMS.

TMS offers a new, FDA-cleared, insurance covered, way to treat depression by directly targeting the brain's "wiring" to improve mood, recreate joy in your life, and restore a better quality of life. Learn more about TMS at RRMC.

By Julie Poulin, MD, PhD, MBA, a psychiatrist at Rutland Regional Medical Center.