Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
What is rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Works)?
rTMS stands for “repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation” and is a proven effective treatment for depression. rTMS changes brain activity by means of a short magnetic pulse.
What does your brain activity have to do with your depression?
Well, the cause of depression is related to the prefrontal cortex. It is involved in controlling your cognitive and emotional functions. In depression, this (especially the cingulate cortex) functions less well, which leads to depressive symptoms.
Through repeated stimulation of this area during rTMS treatment, we improve communication between different structures in your brain. As a result, depressive symptoms gradually diminish and most people notice a marked effect after ten to 12 sessions (two to three weeks).
How Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Works?
Scientific research has shown that the frontal lobe has an important influence on the development of depression. Especially the mutual communication of different parts of this frontal lobe is important. In rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), certain parts of this brain area are stimulated by means of a pulsating magnetic field. This improves communication between different brain structures. Repeated stimulation reduces depressive symptoms.
Method
During the treatment, the patient lies in a comfortable chair. A figure-eight coil is placed above the head. This coil generates a pulsating magnetic field, which causes the specific stimulation to take place. This is expressed in a tapping sound, which can also be felt, comparable to the tapping of a pencil on the arm. During the session, one of our mental health psychologists treats the patient with cognitive behavioral therapy. These psychologists are specially trained to do this combined treatment.
An rTMS session lasts approximately 45 minutes. The sessions take place 2 to 3 times a week for 6 to 10 weeks. The first result is usually noticeable after a few weeks. The effect lasts for approximately 6 to 12 months. When the complaints return, a number of repeat sessions are often sufficient to relieve the depression.
rTMS treatment instead of drugs
rTMS treatment has much milder side effects than antidepressants. It is therefore a good treatment for people for whom medicines do not work or people who do not want medicines.
We offer rTMS at Kant Brain Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. In many cases, the intake interview can be scheduled within two weeks.
Effectiveness of rTMS treatment
Scientific research among clients who suffer from depression shows that about 60% of benefits from rTMS. Is rTMS combined with talk therapy? Yes, is the answer. 80% of the clients will benefit from the combined treatment.
People with depression or an obsessive-compulsive disorder (compulsive disorder) have until now been dependent on medication with or without talk therapy to get rid of their complaints. An alternative to medication has been available for several years: rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). RTMS, offers you help with depression and OCD. At the beginning of treatment, rTMS will be used in addition to medication. You can schedule an intake meeting without obligation to discuss the possibilities.
rTMS is combined with talk therapy
We always offer rTMS in combination with talk therapy. You cannot be simultaneously undergoing treatment for treatment-resistant depression at another GGZ institution or practice.
For Whom
Patients with moderate or severe depression who have already been treated with two different antidepressants without their depression being reduced are eligible for this treatment. You will first be informed in detail about this. It is not necessary to stop medication beforehand.
rTMS treatment is not suitable for patients:
- with metal implants in the head;
- with a pacemaker;
- who are pregnant;
- who have migraine attacks;
- who have had a cerebral infarction;
- who have (have had) seizures or a family history of these;
- who have undergone neurosurgery;
- with severe substance use.
Benefits of rTMS
- Proven effective treatment for depression with periods of relapse
- No side effects (the most serious side effect can be a mild headache)
- Direct effect noticeable (often within 1 week)
- Treatment is painless
- Not drastic
- No anaesthetic needed
- No recording necessary
- Clients do not need to stop their rTMS treatment
- Responders (clients) achieve at least a 50% reduction in their depression symptoms (measured with validated questionnaires)