The Good News. There’s Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression

There is Hope For Treatment-Resistant Depression

We’ve come a long way in treating depression and other mental disorders. You no doubt are aware of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a highly effective treatment for psychotic depression and severe refractory depression that’s often been recommended when other treatments, including medications and psychotherapy, are ineffective. ECT can help severe cases— such as someone at risk of suicide. Although generally safe, it can have significant mental and physical side effects. A newer alternative to ECT is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy: a highly effective, low-risk treatment for depression that has not responded to other therapies. Unlike ECT, TMS does not cause seizures, and patients remain awake throughout the non-invasive process. Side effects are generally mild.

TMS is typically administered 4–5 times per week for 4–6 weeks. For major depression, the new standard of practice requires treatment that removes symptoms and allows patients to return to their usual occupational and social functioning. In cases of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), lack of successful outcomes is often due to inadequate treatment (or deviation from it), co-morbid medical or psychiatric disorders, or the failure of a certain drug or treatment method. For such patients, current strategies involve identifying failure factors and correcting them as much as possible.

TMS Therapy

TMS is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for depression that does not require surgery or medication. Moreover, it’s one of the most advanced treatments available for depression. As a safe, non-invasive, effective outpatient therapy, TMS has helped thousands of patients who have not been adequately helped by antidepressants. TMS does not affect cognition, which means the patient can travel to and from every session without assistance and resume daily activity afterward. If you have become discouraged by the failure of other treatments and procedures, TMS therapy may be an option for you.

You Don’t Have To Keep Suffering With A Depressive Illness

Compassion Mental Health Services TMS Center is proud to be active in treating depression in New Castle Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. Compassion Mental Health Services is currently the only facility in Lawrence County and surrounded areas offering TMS treatment for Depression and OCD.

The stigma of mental health is a struggle for most people and families. We at CMHS TMS Center understand these difficulties and want you to know that you are not alone in your struggle. The impact of depression and not treating depression has many negative effects. Some of the effects are increased chronic health conditions, higher suicide rates, increased substance use, and premature death.

TMS therapy is the proven treatment that can help you tackle your depression and improve the quality of your life. TMS is not right for everyone, but the following indicators could be a sign that you could benefit from TMS in New Castle and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

  • Your depression is not well-managed with medication. Medication is typically the first course of action for people suffering from depression. However, some people struggle to find the right medication that will restore balance in their lives. On average, people opting for TMS therapy for depression will have about 3-4 antidepressant failures prior to exploring TMS in New Castle.
  • TMS Therapy may be an option if: You have been identified with depression and have not benefitted from standard treatments such as medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy) or you are searching for a drug-free depression solution.
  • You are 18 years of age or older. TMS is approved in patients ages 18 and older. While treatment is being explored for children and teens, it is not yet approved by the FDA.

If you are someone who struggles with depression TMS Therapy may be an option for you. Contact Compassion Mental Health Services at (724) 856-8620 to schedule an initial appointment. Most major insurances cover TMS.