What is TRD (treatment-resistant depression) and How Can TMS Help?

Depression that does not respond to traditional treatment methods is known as treatment-resistant depression. While this can be discouraging, researchers are progressing in finding new ways to combat this type of depression. This provides hope for those who have not found relief through traditional means.

What is TRD and how common is it?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of major depressive disorder that does not respond well to traditional treatment methods, such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. People with TRD may experience severe symptoms that can interfere with their ability to function in day-to-day life.

One-third of people with depression are diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means that their symptoms don’t improve after trying two different types of antidepressant medication for at least six weeks each. People with TRD have symptoms like persistent sadness, sleep problems, low energy, and suicidal thoughts. They can’t seem to find relief through traditional treatments. Women and older adults are more likely to have TRD than other people. Other high-risk groups for TRD include people with severe or frequently recurring bouts of depression and those with an underlying medical illness. Substance abuse and eating disorders also raise a person’s risk of TRD.

What are the symptoms of TRD and how does it differ from other forms of depression?

It can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of TRD from those of major depressive disorder (MDD) because they are often very similar. A mental health professional will need to conduct a thorough evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis.

TRD is characterized by persistent depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks in order to be diagnosed with TRD. People with TRD often have a history of failed treatment attempts using traditional antidepressants. If you think you may be suffering from TRD, it is important to seek professional help. With proper treatment, it is possible to improve your symptoms and live a full and productive life.

How does TMS help treat TRD and what are the benefits compared to medications or therapy alone?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic stimulation to activate parts of the brain. TMS involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the forehead in order to allow short electromagnetic pulses to pass from the coil into the brain. This stimulates nerves about 2 inches into a specific part of the brain. The treatment is outpatient, does not require anesthesia or a long recovery time, and is painless. TMS has been found to be an effective treatment for depression, with a success rate of about 60-70%.If you’re living with depression and haven’t found relief from other treatments, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be an option for you. TMS has been shown to be effective in treating depression, and it may be an option for you when your medications are not working anymore.

TMS is an effective treatment for patients who have not found relief from traditional therapy or medication, as well as those who struggle with medication-resistant depression. TMS can also be used to augment existing medication for patients who are struggling to find relief. There has been much success with TMS being used in tandem with other forms of treatment methods and much fewer side effects. In fact, over 40% of patients with depression do not achieve remission from antidepressants. Additionally, medications can often produce unwanted side effects, such as fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, nausea, and sexual problems. For these reasons, it’s important to explore other potential treatments for depression.

Are there any risks associated with TMS treatment for TRD patients?

TMS is a highly effective treatment for depression with very few side effects. The majority of patients report no adverse effects, with the most common being a mild headache or sensitivity in the scalp area where the treatment is administered. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

How long does a typical TMS treatment session last and how many sessions are required for most people to see results?

Treatment sessions typically last around 30-40 minutes and are typically done 5 times per week for 4-6 weeks. Some patients may start to experience positive mood changes within a few sessions.

Patients must be screened for any contraindications to TMS therapy before beginning treatment. This includes making sure the patient does not have any suicidal thoughts, is not pregnant or nursing, has no history of seizures, does not suffer from any psychotic symptoms, and does not have any metal in their head or any neurological conditions. Additionally, patients must not abuse substances. If any of these conditions are present, TMS therapy may not be effective.