Debunking Common Myths About TMS

Fighting mental illness can feel like a long uphill battle, especially if you have treatment-resistant depression or PTSD. Thankfully, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can gently stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in people with such disorders, offering new hope.

First, though, there are a lot of myths about TMS that need debunking.

At 2nd Chance Treatment Center, with practice locations in Phoenix and Litchfield Park, Arizona, our team of board-certified psychiatrists offers TMS therapy for patients with depression, PTSD, or coexisting disorders.

The myths about TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is highly effective for treating many mental health issues, but misconceptions about this therapy abound. Here’s what to believe and what to dismiss when it comes to TMS.

Myth 1: TMS is only for major depressive disorder (MDD)

TMS therapy is becoming a go-to for treating individuals with MDD or treatment-resistant depression, but this option can benefit a wider range of patients. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate depression and another mental health condition like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), TMS might be right for you.  

Myth 2: TMS works immediately

What TMS is not is an immediate, one-time solution. We customize every patient’s plan, but in most cases, a series of treatments five days a week for 4-6 weeks is recommended, and you may need occasional maintenance treatments after that.

However, you probably won’t have to wait the full span of treatment to see some results. A study of patients with MDD showed that 30% of participants experienced at least some symptom relief starting by or before the third week of treatments.

Myth 3: TMS and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are the same

This is absolutely untrue. ECT and TMS are two different things and work in different ways. ECT, commonly known as “shock therapy” has been shown effective for depression, but it can cause severe side effects like memory loss and serious disorientation, since it causes a seizure.

TMS uses magnets near the brain, but no electrical current. There are no seizures, and you’ll be able to drive or go back to work directly after treatment.

Myth 4: TMS can mess with memory or cognitive function

If you’re worried that TMS therapy may affect your cognitive abilities or your memory, rest easy.  TMS works by stimulating areas of the brain related to mood regulation. This doesn’t negatively impact your memory or cognition. In fact, studies show that TMS can actually improve memory and cognitive function in some patients.

If you’ve heard of TMS but have been afraid to find out more due to these myths, consider them debunked. You can learn more about this therapy option by calling the 2nd Chance Treatment Center location nearest you, or make an appointment online today.