With about 14 million Americans suffering from depression, it is estimated that about 4 million are not benefiting from their medication management and other conventional treatment methods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. TMS is a non-invasive FDA approved procedure that delivers targeted treatment directly to areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. The efficacy rate is actually higher than traditional psychiatric medications. Patients appreciate that this is an outpatient procedure where they remain awake, alert, and are able to easily resume their day to day activities. It can even be done on a lunch break. Sessions are now only 20 minutes long. Patients at our office are actually evaluated by a board certified physician who has completed specialty training in psychiatry. It is important when finding a TMS provider that this evaluation be done by an actual physician (not a psychologist or therapist) for a comprehensive and well informed assessment. When treating depression, it is important that it be treated into remission. When not treated into remission, not only does it compromise quality of life and relationships, but the risks of having a major depressive episode and substantial decompensation are dramatically higher. At practices such as New Frontiers Psychiatric and TMS, remission rates can be quite high. Practices with experienced physicians and technicians can have up to 2/3 (or more) of their patients free of depression by the 6th week of treatment. Patients typically notice an improvement in mood in the first few weeks of treatment.
When Medications Don’t Work
