If you are searching for mental health treatment options, it can be challenging to distinguish the differences between various treatment approaches to decide if they are a good fit for you. Many people look to alternative treatments if they have found their medication is not offering adequate symptom relief or is producing unpleasant side effects.
We provide TMS Therapy at our practice as part of an overall mental health treatment program. We evaluate your needs in order to give you a better understanding of Pittsburgh TMS therapy vs. other treatments, such as medication therapy, therapy, or other interventional procedures.
Antidepressants are considered a first-line treatment option for people suffering from depression. Though prescription medication can prove effective for most people suffering from the condition, some people may have limited symptom relief or face side effects like changes in weight, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, or sexual performance problems.
TMS Therapy provides a non-pharmacologic choice. TMS in Pittsburgh differs from traditional antidepressants in that it focuses only on stimulating parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood with magnetic stimulation, as opposed to impacting the whole body. Also, because TMS does not involve systemic pharmacologic agents, it does not have the same risk of side effects associated with antidepressants. This makes a difference with patients who have had no success with various pharmacologic agents.
Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral and other evidence-based practices, is a valued part of treating mental illness. Therapy may allow an individual to cope with experiences and develop ways to build a strong response to difficult emotions over time. But for some, simply going to therapy may not alleviate symptoms of depression.
TMS treatment stimulates the brain in a different way by directly stimulating the pathways that affect mood. With regular treatment sessions, many patients have noticed that their mood has significantly improved to the point where they are able to focus more on the treatment sessions and use the therapeutic tools provided.
There are other interventional approaches to depression treatment, including electroconvulsive therapy or ketamine-based therapy. These methods could be advised in particular contexts. They work well, although they sometimes involve anaesthetic or sedation procedures.
TMS Therapy in Pittsburgh is a non-invasive procedure and can be done when you are awake and seated comfortably. Sessions usually take anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes, and you are free to resume your daily activities afterward. Many patients have found it easier to cope with the treatment because of this convenience and predictability.
There is no single treatment that will help everyone. In determining what treatment is right for our patients, it is often a matter of reviewing what options are available and comparing Pittsburgh TMS therapy vs. other treatments you may have used in the past or what you are looking into doing. We discuss this in the course of our assessment. TMS is often covered by insurance, and our team can assist with benefit verification. Call now to discuss your treatment needs.
