TMS in New York is a safe depression treatment that can be a great option for those seeking long-lasting relief. However, some people may be intimidated by the intricate equipment, coils, and magnetic pulses involved in transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a perfectly safe depression treatment option and our doctors always prioritize your health and well-being above all else. In fact, our Medical Director, Dr. Bryan Bruno, has been practicing TMS in New York for over a decade.
Finding Safe Depression Treatment in New York City
Those looking for safe depression treatment will be excited to know that finding a facility that offers TMS in New York is a simple and easy solution. Here are some concerns that patients have had over the years that you don’t actually need to worry about.
Does TMS cause brain tumors?
TMS does not cause brain tumors. TMS magnetic pulses are of the same type and strength as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. An MRI is one of the most common diagnostic tools in the world, helping doctors evaluate the brain, spinal cord, joints, heart, and much more. Furthermore, research has shown that MRIs are even completely safe for a pregnant woman and her fetus during the baby’s first trimester. Millions of patients around the world have had MRIs and none of them have resulted in a brain tumor. No brain tumors have been attributed to TMS and there is no reason to believe there ever will be.
Can TMS cause memory loss?
TMS does not cause memory loss. Studies have shown no adverse cognitive effects on the brain after TMS treatment. No cognitive differences were found between those who received TMS treatment and those in the placebo group. Not only will TMS in New York have no effect on your memory, but it should have no effect on your brain’s cognitive functions either.
Will TMS cause side effects if I’m taking an antidepressant?
TMS is a safe depression treatment you can receive while taking antidepressants. For patients who experience some benefit from antidepressant medications and no adverse side effects to the medication, it is safe to continue use while starting TMS therapy.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is largely caused by irregularities within the brain’s frontal and limbic structures. In individuals who struggle with depression, these areas function and interact with one another in abnormal ways.
Important parts of the limbic structure involved in the neurochemical processes that produce depression include the amygdala (the emotional center of the brain), as well as the thalamus and hypothalamus, which are involved in emotional reactivity. Underactivity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) also contributes to depression; the DLPFC is the area in the frontal lobe of the brain that is directly stimulated by TMS when treating depression.
How TMS Treats Depression
Studies demonstrate that TMS patients experience improvements in emotional regulation, goal-directed behaviors and impulse control. In depressed individuals, specific neural networks may be overactive or underactive. TMS can reach these particular regions to help restore balance.
TMS therapy can successfully target specific regions like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex that regulate mood. These areas of the brain become more functional with proper stimulation, which has a positive effect on mood. TMS also improves functionality and enhances communication within fronto-limbic networks.
TMS For Treatment-Resistant Depression
TMS has been proven to be an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Patients who struggle with treatment-resistant depression cannot get relief from antidepressants or psychotherapy.
In a 2017 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders, patients of all ages who suffered treatment-resistant depression experienced benefits from TMS therapy. The depression response and remission rates were generally consistent in all age groups.
What To Expect During TMS Therapy
TMS therapy consists of a series of outpatient procedures. During TMS treatment, a coil will be placed near your head. This coil consists of a magnetic field generator that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific regions in the brain. The coil creates minute electric currents in neurons in targeted regions of the brain to improve function.
Most patients receive TMS treatments five times per week for five to six weeks. These sessions last 20 – 40 minutes. Patients can easily commute to and from TMS appointments independently and resume their typical activities after the treatment is over. Another advantage of TMS is that the treatment is non-invasive, and patients can stay conscious and awake throughout their appointments.
With TMS therapy, our patients have reported:
- Better general mood
- Increased energy
- Improved ability to concentrate
- Less anxiety
- More motivation
- Greater interest in activities
- Normalized sleep and appetite
If you are experiencing depression, TMS can be a low-risk, high-reward treatment option.
Other Safe Depression Treatments
In addition to TMS in New York, there are lots of safe depression treatment options you or a loved one suffering from depression can consider. The most important thing is to choose the treatment that is right for you. Your symptoms, lifestyle, budget, and chemical sensitivities will all play a part in the treatment you choose. Frequently, patients use multi-modal treatment approaches to address depression. If you would like to use TMS in addition to other treatments, you can look into options including:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy aka “talk therapy” or just “therapy” helps many patients treat and manage their depression. Find a therapist online or ask trusted family and friends for suggestions.
- Self-care: Self-care is taking deliberate actions to take care of yourself and better your mental, emotional, or physical health. You can read more about how things like exercise and meditation can help manage your depression.
Getting Safe Depression Treatment: TMS in New York
If you think TMS in New York is a safe depression treatment you or a loved one would like to pursue, contact MidCity TMS Today. Our New York TMS center is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan at 280 Madison Avenue and we are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday. Give us a call at 212-517-1867, contact us online, or schedule an appointment today.