What is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy is a drug-free, FDA-cleared treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to re-activate the parts of the brain affected in depression
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-systemic, non- invasive form of brain stimulation therapy used to treat depression and anxiety. It has been FDA approved since 2008 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. The therapy involves using a magnet to target and stimulate certain areas of the brain. This stimulation produces changes in neuronal activity in regions of the brain implicated in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex. Over the course of several treatments, this results in improvement in depressive symptoms.
rTms differs from dTMS (deep transcranial magnetic stimulation). See FAQ for more information.
TMS treatment involves multiple sessions over a course of several weeks. Each session typically last just under 20 During TMS you will sit or recline while an electromagnetic coil is held near your head. While under doctor’s supervision, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the forehead near the area of your brain that regulates mood. The coil then passes magnetic pulses to a targeted part of your brain. This induces an electrical current in specific nerve cells. It is theorized that these electrical currents stimulate brain cells in a complex way that can reduce depression.
Unlike medication, TMS is not associated with sexual side effects, weight gain, nausea or other common side effects that can occur with traditional antidepressant medication use. It is conveniently performed in our office under our supervision and patients stay alert and awake during each treatment. Once the treatment session is over patients can resume their normal routine. Treatment is completed after 36 sessions.
TMS is used to treat severe depression but can also show benefits in anxiety disorders including OCD. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is usually recommended only after medication and psychotherapy fail to work. We suggest taking at least one round of prescription antidepressants before exploring the possibility of TMS. Antidepressants and psychotherapy may be used in combination with TMS. Here at Hawkins Psychiatry we use Magventure rTMS system for TMS therapy.
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What Our Patients Say About Us?
Since opening our doors in 2004
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I must admit that initially his youth made me a bit nervous. All my psychiatrists before were strern grandfather-like older guys. But it didn’t take long too apppreciate how very competent, professional, and thorough Dr Hawkins was. I really liked how he wasn’t hesitant to try newer medications on the market.
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From the first session with Dr. Hawkins I knew he was the doctor for me. He was caring, understanding and willing to listen to my medical concerns. It was then I saw he was not just about prescribing medication like some psychiatrists but was genuinely concerned about my well being. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a psychiatrist!
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Dr. Hawkins was great with my teenager. Never thought my son would do so well. We tried so many doctors and different medication cocktails before. My husband and I were getting so frustrated. Then we met Dr. Hawkins. He worked wonders in just a couple visits!
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Just a doc who really cares about his patients and if they actually get better! By far the best care I’ve had in years. And all the people I referred loved him too!
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Dr. Hawkins is a great physician. He is so polite. Always greets with a smile and is very easy to talk too. Definitely not the image I had of a psychiatrist. He gave me hope and a new start after losing my mom to cancer.
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Growing up I saw my cousin deal with manic depression and never forget all the medications she had to take. I said, ‘Never me’. At 25, I was diagnosed and after three hospitalizations I had to get a steady psychiatrist. Dr Hawkins gave me his word he would use just enough medications to keep me stable. He’s a man of his word.
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I come from a very religious family and for years my dad was not trying to hear any talk of seeing a psychiatrist. But we had to do something after I couldn’t hold a job and kept losing weight. And after a few MDs we got even more discouraged. No doctor spent the time like him (Dr Germaine B Hawkins) to really understand and treat my depression. Now I am engaged and in line for promotion!
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I like how he does psychiatry and weight loss. He was the perfect doctor for me because my weight was a huge part of my depression. I didn’t want to leave my bed unless I was going to the fridge. It wasn’t easy,but with his help and weight loss products I lost my depression and 25 pounds.
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