The first successful transcranial magnetic stimulation was performed in 1985 and it has opened doors for a widespread variety of therapy interventions for a multitude of diseases, with depression being the most studied area. Although transcranial magnetic stimulation has been around for over 20 years, it’s only in recent years that it has become a widely acceptable and valuable treatment for major depression. This is due to investigators worldwide completing more than 30 randomized, controlled clinical trials proving time and time again that TMS Therapy is an effective treatment for depression.[1] Read the rest of this entry »
TMS Therapy Shows Long-Term Benefits In Difficult-To-Treat Patients With Depression
Your Depression is Lying to You
You know those cartoons that show a character about to make an important decision and *puff* suddenly they’ve got an angel and a devil sitting on each shoulder each trying to influence their next step? For some, this is exactly how major depression feels. You know you’re suffering, you know you’re in need of help, and you may even know what the right decision should be, but the devil called depression is always sitting on your shoulder whispering negative thoughts so that you won’t take that step forward. Read the rest of this entry »
Welcoming May: National Mental Health Awareness Month
April showers have brought May flowers and the long awaited spring weather brings us out of the gloomy hibernation we experienced during the months of winter. Unfortunately, not everyone will bloom in May. Some people will struggle with a mental illness that may prevent them from working, caring for a loved one, or even getting up in the morning. Often, the only way to know whether someone has been diagnosed with a mental illness is if they tell you.
Mental illness is often referred to as the invisible illness mainly because many individuals suffering from it will remain quiet about their afflictions for fear of being rejected. The effects of stigma can intensify the pain and suffering caused by the illness itself. “A handful of people suffering from mental illness may not even realize it or some may be in denial” says Kelli Walker, center manager at TMS NeuroHealth Centers. “People associate mental illness with schizophrenia or psychosis; only acknowledging the severely impaired. The less impaired think that only these severely mentally ill patients need to see a psychiatrist.” She goes on to say that “society has not caught up with the times regarding mental health awareness and education”. Last month, the president of the United States recently proclaimed May 2013 to be the National Mental Health Awareness Month and called upon everyone to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives. Read the rest of this entry »
Depressed Times: How To Keep It Together When Everything Else Falls Apart
There are many triggers that can push a person over the edge and into a depressive episode. Once in this depressive state, it often seems impossible to pull yourself out. A friend of mine once compared suffering from depression to being stuck in a dark and gloomy hole where people on the outside can see you and hear you, but they can’t get you out. The stigma surrounding mental health is still overwhelming and some people would rather walk right past you than help you. Then there are friends and family who want to help you but don’t know how; at most they can throw you a rope and encourage you to take it but it is up to you to find the strength and the energy to pull yourself back up and out of that hole.
But how do you find that strength? How do you gather that energy when everything else is closing in on you? Read the rest of this entry »
Martha Rhodes; a TMS Success Story | Part II
Martha Rhodes successfully battled her depression with TMS therapy. [img source: saturdayeveningpost.com]
We were recently able to conduct an e-interview with author and TMS patient Mrs. Martha Rhodes. Last week we posted Part I of our interview with her and today we are please to share with you the rest of Mrs. Rhodes incredible story of how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy changed her life for the better.
When did you start to notice changes in your mood?
My doctor was very clear with me from the outset—TMS isn’t a quick fix. This information prepared me to be patient waiting for results. I didn’t begin to notice a difference in my mood until four weeks into the program. Read the rest of this entry »
Martha Rhodes; a TMS Success Story | Part I
Martha Rhodes successfully battled her depression with TMS therapy. [img source: saturdayeveningpost.com]
TMS Therapy Blog is pleased to introduce a featured guest this week. We were recently able to conduct an e-interview with author and TMS patient Mrs. Martha Rhodes.
After battling major depressive disorder and trying countless ineffective treatments for many years, it seemed nothing could alleviate the depression Mrs. Rhodes felt on a daily basis. Finally, a relative told Rhodes about TMS therapy. Rhodes wasted no time and turned to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy in May of 2010. She has never looked back.
Rhodes, who hails TMS as her saving grace, currently resides in Danbury, CT with her husband and was kind enough to share her powerful story of struggle, survival and poignant moments. Read the rest of this entry »
“How I Finally Beat Depression” – TMS Therapy in Good Housekeeping Magazine
In this month’s edition of Good Housekeeping magazine we get to meet Carmen, a TMS therapy success story. Carmen’s life was that of the perfect southern belle; she was part of her high school’s cheerleading team in Memphis and was about to head to the national championships. This all changed drastically after she suffered a knee injury that forced her to quit the activity she enjoyed the most and sent her life spiraling out of control and into depression. After two kids, a divorce, and a miscarriage Carmen quietly withdrew from the world. Read the rest of this entry »
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a Breakthrough Treatment for Migraine Relief?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has been widely used in treating the symptoms of depression. Recent studies, such as those done at the American Academy of Neurology 1and the University of Duisburg-Essen2 in Germany, are now showing the extensive potential TMS therapy has in the treatment of migraines. What’s more, studies are indicating the potential TMS therapy has in opening doors for safer and more effective treatment of many other brain-related illnesses including tinnitus, auditory hallucinations, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. A recent study done at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine,1 has proven the effectiveness of TMS therapy in treating acute episodes of migraines as well as the capability of repetitive TMS therapy as a preventative measure1. The study based their theories of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations’ (rTMS) effectiveness in modifying brain activity, which could potentially prevent the onset of migraines and their symptoms1. These symptoms can include: Read the rest of this entry »
Parenting and Depression
A recent article with CNN Health highlighted some of the many obstacles parents suffering from depression have to endure; child meltdowns, crazy schedules, anxiety and exhaustion. Many parents are ‘used to’ the stress that comes with raising little ones and fail to identify the red flags of depression that pop up along the way. Their everyday stress starts well before the kids leave for school and well after they go to bed. Constant running around, homework, sibling fighting, nagging, screaming, pleading, quick meal planning and bedtime chaos – a typical day for parents – with kids finally asleep and leaving parents with t no energy to take care of themselves. Soon enough they are engulfed in a cycle of parenting causing anxiety, which causes anxiety affecting their parenting skills.
TMS NeuroHealth Centers Opens a New Location
TMS NeuroHealth Centers opens a second center in Bethesda, Maryland, enabling TMS NeuroHealth to work seamlessly with healthcare providers to provide the highest quality of care for patients in the Washington DC Metro area. “I am excited to be working with TMS NeuroHealth to bring TMS treatments to those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. I look forward to delivering outstanding patient care through this collaboration,” explains Dr. Michael Knable.
