While the research on TMS is exciting, right now this therapy isn't easy to get. Earlier this year, while going through a long depressive episode that was not responding to medication, I talked with my doctor about this therapy. I was more than willing to try it - but there was nowhere I could reasonably go to get it. The closest facility was 40 minutes away. Sessions are done 5 days a week for three to four weeks. In addition, there was a question whether my insurance would cover the treatments, since TMS is only FDA approved for major depressive disorder, not bipolar disorder.
I chose not to pursue it. The commitment with the long drive was just too great, and the possible expense too high (especially considering what gas prices were like at the time). Fortunately, soon after this we found a drug that did work for me.
Have you undergone TMS? Was it helpful?
~Marcia
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Newswise Med Wire: Magnetic Stimulation Effective for Treatment-Resistant Depression
MedPage Today: FDA Okays Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Depression
I read about this treatment–in addition to being expensive, I don’t think it lasts that long–the positive effects–check it out–but maybe it holds promise.
It is unfortunate that TMS treatment facilities are hard to find in most areas as the technology is still new and most MD’s still don’t understand how to properly utilize and apply the technology. The Brain Treatment Center recently opened in Southern California and is taking, among other disorders, bipolar individuals to help with this new technology.
Romy103 isn’t correct, the treatment can have permanent positive effects on the brain. The treatment has helped my son in so many ways. He is a child, so the effects of the TMS treatment are quicker, more effective, and will last for the rest of his life. However, even with adults over 28 (when the brain stops developing) the effects can be just as effective and permanent, but an adult may need to have treatment for a longer period of time, say 8 weeks or so. It is expensive, but not as expensive as a life time of medication and therapy.