What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression?

Depression can be a life-altering condition, affecting not only mood but also energy, focus, and relationships. For some, standard treatments like medication and therapy provide relief. For others, symptoms persist despite trying multiple options. At Hawkins Psychiatry in Mansfield, TX, Dr. Germaine Hawkins offers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an innovative, noninvasive therapy that may help when other treatments haven’t worked.

How TMS Works

TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to excite specific areas of the brain responsible for mood control. The left prefrontal cortex is most commonly targeted because this area is underactive in depressed individuals. By mildly stimulating these brain cells, TMS can improve communication between neural networks and enhance mood and balance.

Unlike drugs, TMS does not circulate in the bloodstream, thus circumventing many of the systemic side effects of antidepressants.

What to Expect During a TMS Session

A typical TMS treatment is given in an outpatient facility while you are at ease. You would be seated in a chair where a small device is held against your head. The device gives precise magnetic impulses that may feel like tapping on your scalp.

Each treatment session generally lasts 20 to 40 minutes, and most patients are awake and alert during the procedure. There is no work or activity time missed so that you can return directly to your normal routine. A general treatment with TMS is a multiple-session process over several weeks for maximum effects.

Who Can Benefit from TMS?

TMS is most often recommended for adults with major depressive disorder who have not experienced adequate improvement from antidepressants or who cannot tolerate their side effects. It can also be an option for individuals seeking a treatment that doesn’t involve medication.

Because TMS is noninvasive and does not require anesthesia, it is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headaches that usually resolve after the first few sessions.

Why Choose Hawkins Psychiatry for TMS?

Dr. Germaine Hawkins and the team at Hawkins Psychiatry take a personalized approach to every treatment plan. Before recommending TMS, Dr. Hawkins conducts a thorough evaluation to ensure it is appropriate for your specific needs and goals. If TMS is the right fit, you’ll receive attentive care throughout your treatment to track progress and adjust as needed.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with depression that hasn’t improved with other treatments, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may offer new hope. Hawkins Psychiatry in Mansfield, TX, provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move toward lasting relief. To learn more or schedule a TMS consultation with Dr. Germaine Hawkins, call (817) 460-7080 today.