Antidepressants are typically the front-line treatment option for depression, but it can be difficult to find the right medication. The process of finding an effective medication can take years of trial and error and many people have to try multiple different medications before finding one that works for them. Even when an antidepressant is effective, it can come with a range of side effects that can sometimes be as debilitating as the depression symptoms themselves. These side effects can include things like nausea, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. Additionally, the effects of antidepressants wear off when you stop taking them; many people prefer not to rely on taking a medication every day to avoid symptoms. Beyond that, about one-third of people with depression do not find relief from any antidepressant medication, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression. This can make treatment more difficult and may require alternative options such as therapy or other forms of medication.
For individuals with treatment-resistant depression and those seeking drug-free alternatives to antidepressants, there are treatment options out there. Both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback are being used in clinics nationwide with positive, lasting outcomes for patients. TMS and neurofeedback are very safe and effective in reducing depression symptoms, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. They are also non-medicinal and do not promote daily medication dependence. They should be considered as part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Initially used for measuring brain activity in the 1980s, TMS has since been approved by the FDA as a treatment for depression in 2008. In addition to depression, TMS is also used to treat a variety of other mental disorders and conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. So, what exactly is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive technique in which a small device is placed on the scalp that sends magnetic pulses through the skull to activate specific areas of the brain. Modern TMS devices have the ability to target specific regions, such as the basal ganglia, which is known to be related to depression. This targeted approach has been found to be over 60% effective in relieving depression symptoms, making it more effective than traditional antidepressant medications. One of the unique benefits of TMS is that it provides lasting symptom relief. A typical TMS treatment course lasts for 5-6 weeks, with patients often showing improvement in symptoms within the first week and experiencing an improvement in symptoms for months after the treatment is completed.
TMS is considered a safe and simple procedure with minimal side effects. The biggest safety concern associated with TMS is a small risk of seizure, which is less than 0.1%. However, individuals with a pre-existing risk of seizure, such as those with epilepsy, may not be eligible for TMS treatment. Similarly, those with metal implants in their body may also not be approved for TMS due to the potential interaction with the magnetic device.
During TMS treatment, patients sit in a comfortable chair at a clinic while a clinician sets up the TMS device and administers magnetic pulses. The length of the treatment varies depending on the type of TMS being used, but the entire process typically takes less than an hour. Some patients may feel a knocking sensation or sensitivity on the scalp while the device is in use, and some may experience a mild headache that goes away after the treatment. The standard TMS treatment course typically involves 5 sessions per week for 6 weeks, for a total of 30 treatment sessions.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is another non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that aims to help individuals “retrain their brain” by monitoring neural activity. During a neurofeedback therapy session, electrodes are used to measure brain activity in real time, and the patient receives feedback on different types of brain waves. The patient learns to identify specific patterns associated with positive thoughts, as well as patterns associated with negative thoughts such as depression or anxiety. By providing feedback on brain wave patterns, the patient can learn to regulate their own brain activity.
A typical neurofeedback treatment plan includes one to two therapy sessions per week until the patient experiences a significant improvement in their symptoms. Additional “booster” sessions may be scheduled later on to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. The electrodes used during the treatment do not cause any shocks or pain, in fact, the microcurrents produced are not perceptible to the individual. Like TMS, patients simply sit in a comfortable chair and observe their brain activity during neurofeedback sessions.
Similar to TMS, neurofeedback is also used to treat a wide range of conditions beyond depression, such as anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and others. It is a promising alternative treatment to medication that can offer long-term relief and help patients develop valuable skills in regulating their brain activity.
When it comes to mental health, people should be able to find relief that is simple, effective, and supports their physical wellbeing. These drug-free alternatives can give you the power to achieve recovery your way.
