Transcranial magnetic stimulation (or “TMS”) is an incredible breakthrough in the treatment of depression, and it’s an excellent option for patients who haven’t experienced adequate symptom relief with antidepressants and therapy. But many patients wonder how the effect that TMS has on their brain actually works to alleviate the symptoms…
Antidepressants are considered the gold standard treatment for depression. However, while many people experience relief from depression symptoms with antidepressants, especially those with moderate to severe depression, many people either experience unpleasant side effects or find that medication doesn’t relieve their symptoms.(1) While it can be tempting for someone to…
What Is the Function of the Prefrontal Cortex?
March 25, 2022
Research links depression to a certain region of the brain, called the prefrontal cortex.(1,2) A new depression treatment, called transcranial magnetic stimulation (also referred to as TMS) works by stimulating the prefrontal cortex to relieve depression symptoms. To understand how TMS works as a treatment for depression, it first helps…
Bipolar disorder is a disabling condition that affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the US.(1) People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings that range from lows (referred to as depression) to highs (called mania or hypomania). These mood swings can make it difficult for someone with bipolar disorder to…
Am I Likely to Respond to TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
February 25, 2022
TMS is proven to achieve high success rates in patients who do not respond to antidepressants, commonly referred to as treatment-resistant depression.(1) However, while many people see a major improvement in their depression symptoms with TMS, some people will only experience a small difference or, in some cases, not at…
Overcoming Valentine’s Day Depression
February 12, 2022
Valentine’s Day, although promoted by the greeting card, flower, and other retail industries as a joyful and romantic day, can induce feelings of loneliness and depression. Human beings have evolved to seek out intimacy, and Valentine’s Day can highlight the absence of such relationships. Valentine’s Day may feel difficult if…
Mental Health and Bullying: What’s the Connection?
January 29, 2022
Bullying is a universal problem that affects not only children but also adolescents and adults. The typical bully takes advantage of a real (or imagined) power dynamic to suppress, belittle, or demean someone. Any person who has ever been insulted, targeted, or snubbed by someone else has experienced bullying. Victims…
Signs That Your Depression Treatment Might Not Be Working
January 7, 2022
For people taking an antidepressant, it can feel frustrating when they don’t see results right away. But finding the right depression treatment can take time and often requires collaboration with your doctor. If you’re antidepressant isn’t working, don’t give up. You may need to try a different treatment option or…
Depression in Young Adults
December 24, 2021
Young adulthood is a time when we go through many exciting life transitions: gaining more independence, going to college, and starting a new job. But this time in a person’s life can also be filled with many trials and difficult times, such as rapid transitions (e.g. leaving home to go…
Am I a Candidate for Deep TMS (dTMS)?
December 10, 2021
Deep TMS, also referred to as dTMS, is a non-medication depression and OCD treatment that uses magnetic waves to help stimulate parts of the brain associated with mood regulation. You might be a candidate for dTMS if you fall into one of the following categories: You Have Been Diagnosed with…