Are you or someone you know struggling with mental health issues that aren’t responding to traditional therapies? Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions can impact every aspect of your life. If you’re looking for a non-invasive treatment option, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy may be just the right fit. At Columbia Associates, we offer TMS therapy to help our clients improve their mental health and quality of life. This FDA-approved therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerves in the brain in order to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions.
Understanding what TMS therapy does and how it works can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue this treatment. Call Columbia Associates at 703.682.8208 today to start TMS treatment in one of our locations.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that involves using a magnetic field to stimulate nerves in the brain. During a TMS session, a clinician will place a small electromagnetic coil against the scalp. The coil produces magnetic pulses that stimulate the nerve cells in the brain that are thought to be involved in mood regulation. This stimulation can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, which requires anesthesia and can cause side effects such as memory loss and confusion, TMS therapy is a much less invasive procedure. TMS therapy is typically administered on an outpatient basis, with sessions lasting 30-45 minutes.
Conditions That TMS Therapy Can Treat
TMS therapy has been approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments such as antidepressant medications and talk therapy. This type of depression is called treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TMS therapy has also shown promise in treating other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How does it treat these conditions? The magnetic stimulation from TMS therapy is thought to help the brain adjust its activity in regions involved with mood regulation. This can lead to:
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Decreased obsessive thoughts or behaviors associated with OCD
- Greater ability to manage stress from PTSD
It’s important to note that the exact mechanism of how TMS therapy works is still being studied.
What to Expect in TMS Therapy Sessions
At Columbia Associates, you will come to the same office where you receive regular mental health care. Your mental health care team will include our specially trained interventional experts. These mental health professionals will work with you at each appointment to track your progress and ensure comfort.
During a TMS therapy session, you’ll be seated in a comfortable chair. An interventional specialist will place a small electromagnetic coil against your scalp and deliver magnetic pulses to your brain. You may feel a tapping or knocking sensation during the stimulation, but the procedure is generally painless.
TMS therapy typically involves multiple sessions over a period of several weeks. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on your specific condition and how well you respond to the therapy. Your interventional specialist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
If you’re considering TMS therapy, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your mental health care team. Be sure to ask about possible side effects and potential interactions with other medications or treatments you are currently taking.
Call Columbia Associates Today for TMS Therapy
If you’re interested in learning more about transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, contact Columbia Associates. Our team of mental health professionals has experience using TMS therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We can work with you to determine whether TMS therapy is a good fit for your needs and develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Don’t let mental health issues hold you back any longer. Contact Columbia Associates by calling 703.682.8208 or by reaching out to our team online to learn more about TMS therapy and how it can help you regain your quality of life.