TMS Therapy
Now offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder!
Greenbrook TMS and Alpha Psychiatric Associates have joined together to continue providing the first FDA-cleared, non-drug, non-surgical treatment for depression. The treatment, called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) Therapy, is FDA cleared for the treatment of depressed persons who have not benefitted from at least one prior trial of an anti-depressant medication. Alpha Psychiatric Associates and Greenbrook TMS are among the few in our area to provide this exciting new treatment, and we are pleased to offer this service to our clients at our Durham Alpha Psychiatric Associates location.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS Therapy) is a safe and effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medication. TMS Therapy can be used in conjunction with medication or as a stand-alone treatment. TMS Therapy works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation – areas known to be underactive in those diagnosed with MDD. The magnetic pulses stimulate brain cells, thereby improving the brain’s ability to regulate mood.
Is TMS Therapy right for me?
MS Therapy is a non-invasive, non-drug, FDA-cleared treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have failed to receive satisfactory improvement from 1 prior anti-depressant medication at/or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode. However, most insurance companies require that a patient has not achieved satisfactory improvement from at least 4 prior anti-depressant medications. TMS Therapy is contraindicated in patients with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head. During your free consultation, please discuss this with a TMS NeuroHealth Centers Patient Consultant.
Typical course of treatment
Although treatment varies by individual, a typical treatment course consists of:
- Average of 20-30 treatment sessions
- Conducted over a 4-6 week period
- 5 treatments per week
- Each treatment session lasts approximately 30-40 minutes
- Your first treatment session may last an hour.
