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Tired of Medications? How TMS and Therapy can help with Depression

    Depression affects approximately 264 million people worldwide, making it a significant public health concern. Although traditional antidepressants can be effective for some people, they frequently cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue. Furthermore, a significant proportion of patients receive only a partial or no response to traditional antidepressant treatments, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment options.
    Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. TMS is an effective treatment for depression that has fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants. The FDA has approved TMS for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) that is resistant to traditional treatments. TMS, on the other hand, may not be able to address all aspects of depression.
    This is where therapy comes in. Therapy can be used in conjunction with TMS to assist individuals suffering from depression in addressing underlying issues, learning coping skills, and developing an ongoing self-care plan. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy are the most commonly used therapy types in combination with TMS. CBT focuses on assisting individuals in changing negative thought patterns and developing coping skills, whereas psychotherapy focuses on understanding the underlying causes of depression.

    TMS combined with therapy improves outcomes for people suffering from depression, according to research. Dunner et al. discovered that individuals who received TMS in addition to psychotherapy had higher remission rates (61%) than those who received TMS alone (49%) (p=0.044). Blumberger et al. discovered that individuals who received TMS in conjunction with CBT had higher response rates (75%) than those who received TMS alone (55%) (p=0.015).
    Furthermore, combining TMS with therapy can help individuals reduce their reliance on medication. Antidepressants can be effective for some people, but they frequently have side effects and are difficult to discontinue. Individuals who combine TMS with therapy may be able to reduce or eliminate their reliance on medication.

    Finally, combining TMS with therapy may be the best long-term solution for individuals suffering from depression. TMS can alleviate depression symptoms, whereas therapy can assist individuals in addressing underlying issues, learning coping skills, and developing an ongoing self-care plan. TMS combined with therapy has been shown in studies to improve outcomes and help individuals reduce their reliance on medication. If you’re thinking about TMS for depression, you should think about combining it with therapy. In addition to TMS, we offer in-house therapy services at our El Paso clinic, so you can receive comprehensive treatment in one convenient location. If you want to learn more about TMS and therapy, please contact our clinic. We’re here to assist.
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