Depression is a problem that affects millions every year. Unfortunately, our traditional treatment methods cannot cater to everyone. If you have struggled with antidepressants that only left you with unbearable side effects, it’s easy to lose hope. But you still have an option worth exploring: Treatment methods that don’t involve daily medication at all. That’s where rTMS, the most prominent of the bunch, comes into play. But what exactly is rTMS, and can this treatment work for you? Let’s break it down to help you understand what it is, how it works, and whether it might be the right step for your recovery.
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How Does rTMS Actually Work?
Our brain is essentially an organ full of electrical signals. Every thought and emotion that we experience relies on these signals passing between our nerve cells. But when depression takes hold of our brain, these signals get disturbed, and the areas that regulate our mood are negatively affected. So what rTMS does is deliver magnetic energy in these brain areas to balance our thoughts and mood once more. The treatment involves placing a specialised coil near the scalp that generates magnetic pulses. These magnetic fields enter through our skull to reach targeted brain regions, reactivating them in the process. There are no surgeries required, and no medication to consume during this process. You can think of it as simply recharging your brain back to full strength.
Who is the rTMS treatment for?
rTMS is essentially a depression treatment without medication. As such, it is generally suggested to people who’ve tried more than two antidepressants but have had little success with them. Many studies have shown that a large portion of patients who don’t respond well to medication experience a significant improvement with rTMS. You will also be considered a good candidate if you’ve unnecessarily experienced the troublesome side effects from antidepressants like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or emotional numbness. Outside of that, people who find talk therapy unhelpful or simply want an easier way of treating their depression can also opt for rTMS, so long as their current care provider approves of it.
What should you expect during treatment?
During treatment, a magnetic coil will be placed on your scalp along with a cap to ensure the coil’s correct positioning. You may feel a tapping sensation on your head with clicking noises as the coil activates. This can go on anywhere from 3 to 40 minutes, depending on the level of stimulation and your reaction to it. Afterwards, you might feel slight twitches in your facial muscles. This is entirely normal, and you remain fully conscious throughout the process. Based on what you and your healthcare provider agree upon, this will stretch into a course for several weeks, totalling 20-30 sessions.
Does rTMS treatment actually work?
The early results of rTMS are nothing but encouraging. For starters, this treatment process boasts remission rates that are significantly higher than all the traditional methods. Most people notice improvements after 2-3 weeks of regular sessions, with full benefits emerging by treatment completion. In some cases, people are required to undergo maintenance sessions after a complete course to keep the depression at bay. Not only that, but the recovery rates will vary between individuals. Some may benefit after a week of these sessions, while others may need to complete the course to see an improvement. For those who respond well to rTMS, the recovery from depression is often deep and long-lasting.
How much does rTMS cost, and can you get it from the NHS?
rTMS costs £400 per session, but unfortunately, it is not routinely available on the NHS. It is offered only in the most extreme and specific circumstances, and that too, in only a few locations. Instead of the NHS, private treatment is the best pathway for most people in the UK. It may require a slightly higher investment, but going private will allow you to seek more personalised care and timely support from the doctors.
What are the side effects of rTMS?
Unlike antidepressants that affect your entire body, rTMS targets only specific brain regions. This makes it a significantly safer approach to treating depression. That’s not to say that there are no side effects. You should still expect a bit of lightheadedness or a mild headache after the treatment, which will go away within an hour or two. However, serious side effects range from extremely rare to non-existent. You will not experience sexual side effects, weight gain, emotional blunting, or withdrawal symptoms associated with antidepressants either.
How do YOU get started with rTMS?
Before you get started with this treatment, you’ll need the green light from a GP or psychiatrist familiar with your medical history. Your previous treatment methods, their successes and failures, and current symptoms will all be taken into account first. You will also need clearance for implants in the upper body, as people with pacemakers or cochlear implants may not be eligible. Those with a seizure history will require special consideration when it comes to stimulation levels. Lastly, if you’re pregnant, it is better to wait until the delivery before starting this treatment.
Is rTMS right for you?
In the end, all that’s left to answer is whether YOU should opt in for this treatment. Now, choosing any depression treatment requires careful consideration. rTMS, for one, offers unique advantages that no other treatment does. No medication side effects, targeted brain stimulation, and effectiveness for treatment-resistant people. At the same time, it will require a slight time commitment and financial investment.
When making the decision, consider your previous treatment experiences, current life circumstances, and personal preferences. Also, speak with a qualified mental health professional to gain a thorough understanding of rTMS. While you’re at it, keep in mind that engaging in rTMS alongside therapy and making healthy lifestyle changes is when the magic truly begins to happen.
More than anything else, remember that depression has no control over your life. With all the different treatment methods at your disposal, there is simply no reason to lose hope and let this condition define your life. The path to recovery may look different from what you expected with rTMS, but it’s there. All you need to do is take that first step. Once you do so, everything will be okay from there on.
