TMS is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adults who have failed to receive significant improvement from antidepressant medications during their current episode. Your doctor will evaluate your past history and current medication usage to determine your appropriateness for TMS. Agave Psychiatry has multiple psychiatrists that are certified to perform TMS treatments if this option is recommended to you.
Each treatment lasts approximately 20 minutes. A full treatment protocol consists of one treatment per day, 5 times per week over the course of 6 weeks with 6 additional treatments over the next three weeks. Agave Psychiatry offers an alternative TMS treatment that takes 3 minutes per session. This ‘burst’ method may be appropriate for you and your psychiatrist will discuss all options for treatment.
Unlike medications, TMS does not circulate through the bloodstream. It is therefore not associated with common side effects of many antidepressants such as dry mouth, weight gain, upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness or sexual dysfunction. Some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort during their TMS treatment, but you should be able to resume daily activities at the end of your treatment. Your doctor will fully discuss all risks and benefits to TMS treatment prior to your first TMS appointment.
Yes, TMS does not have any of the systemic side effects that are common with many antidepressants, such as weight gain, sedation or sexual dysfunction.
No! Patients receiving TMS treatment can drive themselves to and from their appointment. Unlike ECT (shock treatment) patients do not require anesthesia during the procedure and they can resume all typical activities at the conclusion of their treatment.
TMS is reimbursed by most private insurance companies. A prior authorization is required prior to beginning treatments and this is handled by your psychiatrist and the Agave Psychiatry staff.
During your treatment, you will be comfortably seated in a chair in a relaxed position. When the treatment begins, you will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head. Most patients listen to music or read during their TMS sessions.
TMS is currently approved by the FDA only for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. TMS can be used to stimulate different regions of the brain and repeated research has demonstrated improvements for patients with a variety of other conditions, including Bipolar Depression, Chronic Pain, OCD, Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia, Tinnitus and Migraine. Treatments for these ‘off-label’ uses can be discussed further, but are not covered by private insurance.