TMS Facts & Myths

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Stamping out the myths about TMS therapy

Since its inception, TMS has gained much attention as an effective treatment option for those suffering from depression. However, as with any new medical treatment, this highly effective therapy has garnered its share of misinterpretations, half-truths, and outright myths.
So, let’s set the record straight so that you know the facts about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

TMS Myths vs. Realities

Myth: TMS is like 'shock therapy' or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

There is really no comparison between the two. TMS is a brief outpatient therapy with no shock administered, no seizure induced, no medications required, and no systemic side effects, such as, loss of memory or body aches. In fact, patients immediately return to their normal activities with no down time and the treatment can be completed in a little as a 5 minutes per treatment session to a maximum of 37 minutes depending on the system and treatment protocol being administered.

Myth: TMS is just a placebo effect and people who improve just believe that it worked

During clinical trials, 1 in 2 patients significantly responded to TMS therapy, and 1 in 3 reached complete remission. Since TMS was first FDA-approved in 2008 for major depressive disorder, there have been millions of treatments performed with average remission rates well over 50%. Depending on the TMS system used and level of experience of the physician and/or TMS Certified Technician, many TMS clinics are seeing much higher remission rates.

Myth: TMS is expensive and not covered by insurance

TMS is covered by the majority insurance plans for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder when a patient has not responded to traditional forms of treatment, such as medications and therapy. Some insurance plans are now covering TMS for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). There are a few TMS clinics that do not accept insurances and the treatment can range from approximately $3500 to $8000 depending on a number of variables.

Myth: TMS therapy is not effective and just a waste of time.

Regardless of what type of treatment you are considering, you should always do your research. There are numerous clinic research and study articles that can be found online that support the efficacy of TMS therapy. Nearly 70% of patients who elect TMS as a treatment option for major depressive disorder (MDD) have a significant reduction in symptoms and/or complete remission. Clinical data also shows that TMS can be an effective treatment for a number of other mental health and neurological conditions. It’s always best to research facts rather than opinions.

Let us help you on your journey to living a mentally healthy life

We love helping those with mental health problems find treatment options and providers near them to help ease their suffering.

It’s a known fact that insurance companies drive the quality of healthcare a patient receives. With poor reimbursement for most services across the board, doctors are forced to see too many patients in a day. Therefore, a patient will often leave their doctor’s office with many unanswered questions about their health, and treatment options are vaguely discussed. This is where ‘becoming your own health advocate’ is vital to your own wellbeing.

If you continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, then send us your request to help get you the answers you need and refer you to a specialist in your area who can help.

To receive a call from a Registered Nurse or TMS Therapy Certified Specialist, submit the online form by clicking below.

Know-How to Select the Right TMS Therapy Provider

Selecting the right TMS therapy provider can make a big difference in your overall outcome. Many clinics provide TMS, but this doesn’t mean that all TMS clinics are qualified to treat your condition.

To help you find a provider that best meets your needs and that you are comfortable with, we’ve prepared some important questions that we recommend you ask before making your selection and starting TMS therapy. These will be useful in your discussion with both your doctor and any potential TMS clinic provider you are considering.

Don’t take our word for it!

Get it from those who’ve experienced TMS

“TMS has changed my life. I’ve tried multiple medications…nearly all of them, and nothing seemed to work.”

Crystal H., St. Louis, MO

“Thank you for taking all the extra steps you took to get me on board. All that tapping changed my life – and I can’t say that I really ever thought TMS would help before starting treatment since nothing else that I had tried over the years worked. I’m so thankful that your staff’s positivity brushed off on me because for the first time in my left, I feel like a normal person.”

Anonymous

“Thus far, TMS has been the only thing that’s worked for me. I actually stopped all my medications because I was tired of the side effects and it got to the point that I didn’t know what was causing all the horrible feelings – my underlying depression or the medications. I still take Inderal for my anxiety, but haven’t taken any antidepressants since my TMS, and I feel pretty good”.

Leslie G., TMS Patient

Best treatment ever !

“TMS has been a lifesaver for me. As a paramedic I see a lot of stuff that would weigh anyone down. My job made my depression worse. When I learned about TMS – just searching online for something other than medications, I ran into a couple Blogs that talked about TMS for depression. I knew it was my only hope. I’m now living depression free and in the process of making a job change. I believe that your job, diet, and lifestyle has a lot to do with your mental health.”

Timothy, Little Rock, AR

Is TMS therapy effective for anyone with depression ?

TMS can be life-saving for many people with treatment resistant depression, but that doesn’t mean that every patient who undergoes TMS will benefit.

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among people ages 15 to 44. While there are many effective treatments for depression, first-line therapy has always been medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Just like these first-line treatments don’t always work for those suffering from depression, TMS therapy is no different. While TMS remission rates are greater than 59%, nearly 70% of the patients receive more than a 50% reduction in symptoms associated with depression. No single treatment works 100% of the time for 100% of the patients.

It is also important to understand that TMS therapy is not a cure for depression or any other condition treated. Subsequently, maintenance therapy is generally recommended in order to sustain remission or a reduction in symptoms.

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(TMS) or Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a leading-edge technology that gently uses magnetic waves to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Moreover, this is a non-invasive treatment most commonly used for the treatment of major depression.

TMS THERAPY
Furthermore, TMS therapy is a handy tool for treatment-resistant depression in patients who have failed to respond to medication or other treatments.

TMS HELPS
Therefore, if you suffer from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or another condition, and you are seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option, TMS Directory can connect you with someone in your area who specializes in treating these conditions with the most advanced forms of medicine. Please Follow Us On Facebook.

Also, see
TMS Treatment For Patients
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS Insurance Coverage Tool