TMS therapy (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood. It is FDA-cleared for major depression. At Lotus Recovery Treatment Center in Thousand Oaks, TMS is offered on an outpatient basis for depression that has not improved with medication.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for depression. A magnetic coil placed against the scalp sends pulses that activate nerve cells in areas of the brain linked to mood. It does not need anesthesia or sedation, and you can drive yourself home after each session.
TMS is most often used for major depression that has not improved after trying antidepressants. It can also help people in recovery from substance use, since depression often comes with addiction. Our TMS treatment in Thousand Oaks, CA serves clients from Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and nearby communities.
As a depression treatment, transcranial magnetic stimulation is usually considered after at least one antidepressant has not helped enough, or when side effects make medication hard to continue.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
TMS uses a device that generates magnetic pulses. It is placed near the scalp above specific areas of the brain that are known to be involved in mood regulation and other functions. The magnetic pulses delivered by the device pass through the skull and into the brain without surgery or anesthesia. These pulses stimulate neurons in specific parts of the brain, increasing or decreasing neuronal activity.
Our TMS treatment in Thousand Oaks, CA, works alongside holistic therapy addiction services, mental health outpatient therapy, and flexible evening therapy options. This noninvasive depression treatment is especially helpful for individuals seeking alternatives when traditional therapies have not provided relief.
High frequency TMS tends to stimulate neuronal activity, while low frequency TMS decreases it. When neurons in the brain increase or decrease, the levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) are adjusted, treating the symptoms of depression. With repeated TMS sessions, long-term changes in the brain can occur, establishing healthier patterns of brain activity.
Who Are the Best Candidates for TMS?
At Lotus Recovery Treatment Center, each person gets a treatment plan built around their symptoms and history. Not everyone will benefit from TMS, however.
Generally speaking, we recommend this treatment for those who:
- Have been iagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Are not seeing positive results from their medications
- Cannot tolerate the effects of their medications
- Have an illness that stops them from taking antidepressants
- Experience depression symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
Some people are not candidates for TMS. These include individuals with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in the head, those with implants controlled by physiological signals (pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators, implantable cardioverter defibrillators) and those who are at a high risk for seizures.
Clients who struggle with treatment-resistant depression often find that TMS for treatment-resistant depression offers a promising option when medications fall short.
Are There Any Side Effects From TMS?
TMS is non-invasive, and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Possible effects include headaches, discomfort at the stimulation site, lightheadedness or facial muscle twitching. Our licensed TMS providers monitor every session, and TMS can be combined with counseling or behavioral therapy.
How Effective is TMS?
In a study of 85 people treated with TMS at an academic medical center, about half responded after six weeks and about a quarter reached remission, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Results vary from person to person.
Some people do very well with TMS, while others find that other treatments work better. Every client at Lotus Recovery can ask to add TMS to their treatment plan.
Getting Started With TMS Therapy
We offer TMS at our Thousand Oaks center. Many clients come from Westlake Village or Agoura Hills for treatment. Since sessions are usually five days a week, being close by makes a real difference.
Call (805) 856-6690 to ask about TMS therapy. Admissions is open 24/7, and most insurance is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMS treatment, and how does it work for depression?
TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood. It helps people with depression that has not improved on medication, and you stay awake and alert during each session.
How long is a typical TMS treatment session, and how many sessions are needed?
A session usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the protocol. Most people come five days a week for about four to six weeks.
Are there side effects associated with TMS therapy?
Side effects are usually mild, such as headache or scalp discomfort during treatment, and they tend to ease as sessions continue. Serious side effects are rare, and a trained clinician monitors every session.
How quickly can patients expect to see improvement after TMS sessions?
Many people notice small changes after two to three weeks, though it varies. TMS works gradually, so your team tracks your progress throughout the course.
How is a treatment plan customized for each patient receiving TMS?
Your plan starts with a clinical assessment of your medical history, symptoms and past treatment. Providers then map brain targets and set the stimulation intensity, and they adjust it as you respond.
Does TMS therapy really work?
For many people with depression that has not improved on medication, yes. Research shows meaningful improvement for a large share of patients, though results vary.
What is TMS therapy used for?
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depression. At Lotus Recovery, we use it for depression that has not responded to medication.
Does insurance cover TMS?
Many plans cover TMS when other depression treatments have not worked. We verify your benefits before you start.