Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMs) is considered an experimental form of depression treatment, however, it is offered at various hospitals and health care facilities. Its proponents feel it may become a common form of treatment for people with depression within five to ten years. Others feel that TMs may replace electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the future.

TMs is performed by a doctor moving a handheld electrical wire coil over the scalp of a patient. An electrical current passes through the wire coil and makes a powerful magnetic pulse, which passes through the patients scalp and stimulates nerve cells in the brain. Supporters of this method of treatment state that the treatment is very specific - that they can target specific areas of the brain. More specifically, the proponents state that they can target those brain structures that are involved in the creation and maintenance of depression and anxiety.

TMs has been the focus of numerous studies and they indicate that magnetic brain stimulation may relieve depression symptoms. Some patients have experienced a reduction of symptoms of approximately 30% with once daily treatments of two or more weeks.

Disclaimer: This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. The statements in this web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided in this web site has been compiled from various magazines and journals, research papers and clinical studies for the sole purpose of offering consumers information about depression and its treatments. © 2002-2004 All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be produced, reproduced or copied in any manner for public or private use without written consent from Depression-Help-Center.com. Please read our user agreement.