rTMS
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
These magnetic fields are the same type and strength as those used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The magnetic pulses generate a weak electrical impulse in the brain that briefly activates neural circuits at the stimulation site. rTMS has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure that can be an effective treatment for adult patients with depression who have not benefitted from antidepressant treatment.
How Does it Work ?
During an rTMS session, a magnetic coil is placed against over scalp near your forehead. The magnet painlessly delivers a pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. It’s activates the regions of the brain that have decreased activity depression.
rTMS seems to be particularly most effective for:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Auditory Hallucinations
- Anxiety Disorders
- Pain Disorders.
- In patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, who have been given a full trial of medications, but have not responded well, a trial of rTMS can be given with limited therapeutic benefit or long-term advantage.
rTMS works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. These magnetic pulses target regions that are underactive in individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. By “waking up” these areas, rTMS helps balance brain activity, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall cognitive function. Here’s a simplified explanation of the biophysiology behind rTMS:
- Boosts Brain Chemicals: rTMS increases the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are critical for mood regulation and reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Increases Brain Plasticity: The treatment promotes neuroplasticity, meaning it helps the brain form new and stronger connections. This rewiring of brain circuits aids in long-term recovery from mood and cognitive disturbances.
- Improves Communication Between Brain Regions: rTMS helps improve the communication pathways in the brain, especially in areas involved in mood control, emotion regulation, and decision-making
Proven Efficacy of rTMS in Multiple Conditions
rTMS is a proven treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. It’s especially effective for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder (particularly the depressive episodes) Chronic Pain and Migraines
- Childhood Behavioural Disorders (emerging evidence suggests rTMS can help children with behavioural and mood disturbances)
- Schizophrenia (in some cases, rTMS has shown to alleviate symptoms such as auditory hallucinations)
Why Choose rTMS at Thriving Minds?
At Thriving Minds, we utilize rTMS as an augmentative treatment to accelerate the recovery process for individuals dealing with difficult-to-treat conditions. Here’s why rTMS stands out:
- Fast-Acting Relief: While medications can take weeks to show results, rTMS often provides improvement in mood and other symptoms in just a few sessions.
- Safe for Pregnancy: rTMS is a safe option during pregnancy, as it doesn’t involve any medications that could affect the foetus, making it a preferred treatment for expectant mothers dealing with depression or anxiety.
- Maintenance Management: rTMS can also be used for long-term maintenance to keep symptoms at bay, particularly for those who experience chronic or recurring episodes of depression and anxiety.
- Fewer Medication Side Effects: Many individuals are drawn to rTMS because it helps them reduce or even avoid the side effects of psychiatric medications, such as weight gain, sedation, or sexual dysfunction.
Myths and Facts
Myths
“ rTMS is
painful.”
Fact
rTMS is a non-invasive, painless procedure. Most patients only feel a tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment.
Myths
“ rTMS causes memory loss. ”
Fact
Unlike ECT, rTMS does not cause memory loss or cognitive side effects. It’s a safe option for preserving mental sharpness.
Myths
“rTMS is experimental. ”
Fact
rTMS is an FDA-approved, well-researched treatment used worldwide for various mental health conditions, particularly depression.
Myths
“rTMS doesn’t work for everyone. ”
Fact
While no treatment is 100% effective for all, rTMS has been highly successful for treatment-resistant depression, offering significant relief for many individuals who haven’t responded to other methods.
Myths
“rTMS requires hospitalization.”
Fact
rTMS is an outpatient procedure. Sessions typically last around 20-40 minutes, and you can resume daily activities immediately after.
Possible Side Effects of rTMS
rTMS is known for its mild side effect profile. Some possible side effects include:
- Mild headaches or scalp discomfort (usually temporary)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness (rare)
- Facial muscle twitching (due to the proximity of the magnetic pulses)
- Compared to other treatments, the low risk of serious side effects makes rTMS a breakthrough option for mental health care.
Why Choose rTMS at Thriving Minds?
At Thriving Minds Mental Health Centre, we are proud to offer rTMS as one of the first private mental health facilities in Uttarakhand to provide this advanced treatment. rTMS is a non-invasive, safe, and effective option for those seeking relief from conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to medications or additional support in your recovery journey, rTMS could be the solution you need. Visit us today at Thriving Minds Mental Health Centre to learn more about how rTMS can help you regain control of your mental health. Schedule your consultation and be part of a treatment breakthrough available right here in Uttarakhand!
We’ve helped millions feel better.
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
Thriving Minds mental health Resource
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
