Treatment of depression with TMS transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of depression is aimed at people with or without neurological issues who have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depression; that is, when they have not responded to treatment with different antidepressant medications which have been taken properly.

In all cases, the patient must be referred by a psychiatrist who must prove that he or she agrees to undergo the treatment and to whom the report will be sent after the treatment has finished in order to carry out follow-up.

 TECHNIQUES USED

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows us to modulate the activity of the cerebral cortex painlessly and safely. This technique was used for the first time in 1995 when a positive effect on mood in patients with depression was observed.

The treatment does not require anaesthesia and is a non-invasive technique which does not require sedation. If you are taking antidepressant medication, it does not interfere with treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation. The recommendation is to keep it stable for the duration of the stimulation.

TYPES OF INTERVENTION

• Initial assessment interview by the medical professional. The patient must provide a report from his/her referring psychiatrist in all cases.
• The treatment consists of fifteen 30-minute sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation, daily for 3 weeks.


• Final assessment interview at the end of the treatment with a written report.