Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS, or rTMS when used repeatedly) is a modern treatment for a number of psychological and neurological difficulties. So far, results are highly promising, especially for individuals who have experienced moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression and OCD. Many patients also report TMS provides great relief after long roads of struggling to find something that helps.
TMS uses magnetic fields to bring about electrical impulses in specific areas of the brain. Magnetism and electricity are distinct physical processes, but are highly related. Magnetic fields are placed outside the surface of the scalp to stimulate electrical activity in different areas of the brain.
The effect of TMS appears to be a kind “jump start” to different areas or groups of cells in the brain. It boosts the activity of brain cells that often, in a sense, deactivate due to the effects of certain disorders like depression. Lower levels of magnetic stimulation can also be helpful in inhibiting or slowing down extremely high levels of brain activity in conditions like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Pros: TMS appears to help the brain (and thus, the human) adapt more easily to many environmental changes over time (i.e., “neural plasticity”). TMS also appears to have minimal side effects. This is in contrast to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT; a now safe procedure but with highly detrimental side effects on memory). TMS is therefore a very promising alternative for treatment-resistant depression. Many insurance companies also now cover the procedure. The effects of TMS can last around 6 months.
Limits: The effects of TMS only last around 6 months. This necessitates continuous treatments. However, many view this timeframe as hardly a drawback. Additionally, the physical and neurochemical effects of TMS are still not fully understood. Like psychedelic assisted therapy, TMS alone may not be a cure-all for many patients. It can act to facilitate the effects of other treatments, so continuing counseling may be advisable along with TMS (so at least it hasn’t put many of us out of a job 😂).
Transcranial magnetic stimulation appears to be a promising treatment for so many who experience treatment-resistant depression and OCD. It may be a great option for many of our long-term clients who have struggled despite our best efforts. And it is nice for therapists when we see those clients experience breakthroughs and relief!
