Depression impacts approximately 14% of the Australian population at some stage of their lives. It can affect everyone differently, and can range from mild to severe and can change in severity over time. This means how to treat depression can look different for everyone, and not all treatments will work in the same way.
Two of the most common forms of treatment are antidepressants and therapy. Often, these treatments are used in conjunction to help treat both the symptoms and the root cause of mental health conditions. However, certain therapies can also be used as an alternative to antidepressants for those who cannot or do not want to take medication.
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment) is one such therapy, which has been used successfully to treat treatment-resistant depression, offering an option for those who haven’t seen success with other treatments.
What is TMS & How Does It Work To Treat Depression?
TMS is a non-invasive and pain-free treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate certain parts of the brain. These pulses can help “wake up” areas of the brain (particularly those that control mood) that might not be functioning properly, hence causing feelings of depression and hopelessness. By doing this, TMS can improve how your brain regulates mood and emotions.
TMS has been used to treat thousands of patients worldwide for depression, as well as other conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), addiction, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple studies have found it as an effective treatment option.
Who Can Benefit from TMS?
TMS can be a good option for those who have previously been prescribed antidepressants or therapy but have not found effective relief from their depression symptoms. It can also be suitable for those who don’t wish to take medication or are not able to because of side effects or health reasons. Because TMS only affects a small area of the brain, it usually has fewer side effects than medications.
That said, TMS isn’t right for everyone. People with certain medical conditions or metal implants near their head might not be suitable candidates. Your doctor or psychiatrist can do a thorough check to make sure it’s safe for you.
How To Treat Depression With Other Methods
Antidepressants are a very common way to treat moderate to severe depression, and many people have success with them as a mid or long-term treatment. Other medications, including antipsychotics, psychostimulants, anxiolytics, or sedatives, can also sometimes be prescribed for depression if antidepressants are not suitable, depending on your symptoms.
However, those who do not find medication effective can often be left wondering what to do when antidepressants are not working for them.
As mentioned above, TMS can be a highly effective treatment option for those who aren’t having success with antidepressants. Other therapies with an in-person or online psychiatrist or psychologist can be a very effective treatment for those with less severe depression.
For those who are feeling down but are not experiencing serious symptoms, there are also lots of tips to get out of a depression slump. These include getting plenty of fresh air, exercise, eating well, doing activities you enjoy and spending time with people who lift you up.
Finding Effective, Individualised Depression Treatment
How to treat depression will depend on the patient, their symptoms and their preferences. TMS is growing in popularity as an alternative treatment thanks to its non-invasive, non-medication approach and its increasingly positive outcomes. If you are looking for an effective treatment or haven’t had luck with other options, TMS could be a good option to look into.
Mind Oasis offers TMS as a treatment option for eligible patients. Our team of qualified psychologists and psychiatrists can expertly determine TMS suitability and provide a treatment plan and services. For more information, contact our team today.