Non Invasive Depression Treatment

Non Invasive Depression Treatment

When antidepressants and therapy have failed, many search for non invasive depression treatment. There are invasive treatments for depression such as electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). These can be helpful in extreme cirumcstances, but most people do not wish to undergo anesthesia or surgery for VNS or ECT. They do not want to have memory problems or surgical complications. Patients just want to feel better!

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a good alternative to these very invasive procedures. It is safe and FDA cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It requires no anesthesia and you can be on your way within a half an hour or less. You can drive after the appointment, and you can go back to work. The procedure is painless and feels like someone who is “tapping” on your head. There are minimal side effects. TMS is typically done Monday through Friday one session each day for up to 36 sessions. The last 6 sessions are “taper off” sessions in which you would do three sessions one week, then two sessions the next week, and then one session the last week. 

Outcomes have been good. TMS is regarded as an effective non invasive depression treatment. We ask that you take a look at our videos on our webpage and look at the information on our webpage to decide if TMS would be a good fit for you. TMS is paid by most major insurance companies provided that prior authorization (pre-approval) is granted by the insurance company. Essentially, they would like to know that you have tried and failed/unable to tolerate a trial of medications and therapy. If this is the case, the insurance company will approve treatment utilizing TMS to help treat your depression. 

If you’d like to make an appointment, you can contact us here. Thank you for reading.