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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for long-term depression
Does anyone have any experience with TMS therapy for long term depression? I have fought the demons of depression for years. Some days are better than others, but finding the emotional energy to do anything other than go to work and do the job is next to impossible most of the time now. I have been on several different medications over the years. I can't say that any particular one made a notable difference at all. I am continually frustrated with a lack of energy and a lack of desire to do the things that I once enjoyed, and that I had looked forward to at this stage of life. Every day, I pretty much feel like "this is it" -- as good as it is ever going to get -- and the opportunity of any meaningful contribution of life is over -- done -- finished. Retirement is something that I longed for over the years. As it draws nearer, I fear it because I see myself just fading away and soon gone. So, I ask about TMS therapy. It is very expensive, requires a huge time committement, and is not covered by medical insurance. I have spoken with doctors (psychiatrists) at a couple of top hospitals in the nation and have not gotten stellar reports from them. The consensus was that it works for some but not for others and the success rates are fair at best overall. Having said that, my doc says they have seen amazing results from the therapy and people complete it and the negative thoughts are pretty much gone. He says their success rate is extremely high. I have not done it because: a) too much time away from work; b) too costly and not covered by medical insurance; c) the reports from two docs from world known excellent institutions which were not glowing. I have searched for answers for years, with none. Now, I have developed chronic pain in the lumbar area, legs, neck, shoulders, arms, etc. I am working on the back with a major pain managment group with some injections which I hope will help.
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Does TMS cause seizures? My neurologist refused to refer me because she said it would cause seizures.
A clinic opened near me, but I don't believe it's run by a M.D.
Does that seem right?
All I can say as thank goodness SSRI’s came along. They have side effects but nothing like the previous generation of antidepressants.
Hopefully the next generation will be even more targeted to the areas of the brain that causes depression and anxiety. That appears to be the next hurdle and would eliminate so many side effects.
If anyone has found one without side effects let everyone know.
That will be the equivalent of restoring hair cells inside the ear for people like me with severe hearing loss. It is coming but not quickly enough.
I had the treatment 2 yrs ago. Five days a week for a total of 36 sessions. Since then, until now, I have had one huge blow after another, going to court w/ my ex, losing my dog- the only thing I had and the one thing I loved more than anything, losing a job, estrangement from my daughter having to move to a place I don't like, to another job I can't stand. So, with all that's happened, I'm still standing. I had to go through all this on my own, with no support or help from anyone. I can say that I've made it through by using my own personal strength and relying only on myself. I can't say how much it helped because of all that's happened. I am considering going back for more. I have doubts about it helping a lot. It's no miracle worker. It's not a permanent fix either. I am in a bad place again with my depression. I think the only thing that would help me is a lobotomy or a lethal injection. So, after all my babbling, if you can commit to the time it would take to do the sessions and have the money to do so, it wouldn't hurt. But don't expect too much.
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1 ReactionI had no seizures or bad side affects from TMS.
I liked your input, so similar to what I would say my response was to the treatment.
You know what I’m responding well to now tho? Like a significant decline in symptoms? Ketamine. I do the infusion therapy. It’s $$$, not covered by insurance. But if your circumstances improve and it’s possible, maybe consider it. Good luck to u. All the best ❤️.
I completed 36 sessions late last year. Did not do anything for me with the depression or anxiety.
Was it just one more gimmick/scam?
My brother had TMS. It did not work for him but he was supposed to walk afterward but he did nothing. Not sure if that had anything to do with the outcome.
I have had two 36 continuous treatments of TMS twice in 2 yrs. Did you mean to say "walk afterward'? Not sure but I never had an instruction line that. So more important I think you are asking did it work?:I think it did as I am not depressed but I also take mirtazapine 30mg at nite. So difficult to say. What I will say and continue to say is that over the past 35 yrs. I have committed myself to actual talk therapy. I've seen the same psychiatrist for 30 yrs. But she is also the person who found treatment for me with adult children of alcoholics. (ACOA). I went twice a week to group and individual. It was hard work but I was committed to feeling better about myself. I still see women on reality tv etc who want to do sound baths etc. In place of difficult therapy. I am a firm believer in that my problems developed over a long period of time. Basically my entire childhood. What would make me or anyone else think that I could be helped in a few short days or thru some new age/what's currently popular fix? Therapy is hard and sometimes painful but coming out the other side is so important and freeing. I highly recommend pointing your relative towards therapy.