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Depression affects how you feel, think, and act. We can even see this in brain scans:
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Depressed
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Non-Depressed
When the brain has less electrical activity in the areas that help regulate our moods and emotions, we can feel tired, hopeless, and a lack of interest in things we used to love. Without normal levels of electrical activity, these “sleeping” regions of the brain don’t communicate properly with other regions of the brain. This may explain why some patients are less receptive to antidepressant medications and suffer from severe, treatment-resistant depression.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can reawaken brain cells in the areas to heal the broken paths of communication.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, increase electrical activity, and restore communication between different parts of the brain.
How does TMS compare to antidepressant medications?
Antidepressant medications work by treating your entire brain chemistry, but they may not specifically target the underactive regions most responsible for depression symptoms.
TMS can more precisely target these areas and restore proper function, without the traditional side effects of medication.
What does a TMS treatment session look like?
Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry provides TMS sessions in our office located in Devon, PA. Our doctors and technicians are committed to making your entire experience comfortable and are here to answer any questions.
1
Before the session
Our team will review your medical history and current medications to make sure that TMS is right for you, and answer any questions you may have.
After checking in, you'll be seated in a comfortable chair, similar to a dentist's chair.
2
During treatment
Our technician will place and position the TMS cap on your head. The magnetic coil inside the cap will begin delivering magnetic pulses. These pulses feel like a light tapping and you will hear a clicking sound. The entire session will only take about 30 minutes.
3
After your treatment session
Following your session, you will be able to drive home and you can resume normal activities for the rest of the day.
Typically, sessions are performed 5 days per week, over a six-week period.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation covered by insurance?
TMS is covered by most insurance providers including Medicare. Our team can help with this entire process and answer any questions you have about coverage.