Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS therapy) is an alternative, holistic therapy that, quite simply, helps to stimulate the neurons in the area of the brain that are underperforming. This therapy is proven to help significantly reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health-related conditions.
Depression and anxiety are extremely prevalent among adolescents and teens, and many families are seeking alternatives to psychiatric medications that come with undesired side effects. TMS Therapy is a highly effective option with lasting effects and is available locally at TMS Therapy Centers of Saint Louis.
A safe, noninvasive and FDA-approved therapy chair uses magnetic energy to produce changes in neuron activity in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating mood. Over the course of a six-week treatment period, these areas begin to function more optimally, releasing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine that are known to regulate the mood of someone suffering from disorders like depression or anxiety.
Painless treatment sessions are done five days a week and take only a few minutes. The rate of efficacy with TMS therapy is close to 80 percent, with patients experiencing either complete remission or significant reduction of symptoms for anywhere from six months to two years. Once symptoms begin to resurface, easy maintenance treatments can alleviate them.
“Many young people suffering from depression or anxiety do not understand these feelings, which often leads to compounding problems and an overall feeling of helplessness,” says president Kim Mercille, RN. “People suffer silently because of the stigma surrounding the issue. Our mission is to let everyone know there are alternatives and that help and hope are available.”
Those at the TMS Therapy Centers of Saint Louis are experts at understanding teenagers and their behaviors and being able to differentiate between normal behaviors and a more serious condition like clinical depression. When a new patient comes in, the staff performs a complete assessment, meeting with parents and teens both together and separately.
“It’s extremely important to be able to meet with the child one-on-one to create a comfort level they may not have with their parents,” Mercille says. “Through this thorough assessment, we identify specific behaviors and determine if TMS therapy is the right course of action.”
She notes that they take a holistic approach to treating depression and anxiety and guide young adults to make other lifestyle changes for an overall positive effect. “It can be something as simple as developing a daily routine,” She says. “We see the person as a whole. We don’t just provide TMS therapy and then send them on their way.”
For a limited time, the TMS Therapy Centers of Saint Louis are offering a consultative evaluation at no charge in order to better educate the community on the benefits of TMS therapy. “It is my mission to help people by not only offering hope, but also a safe and effective alternative to treating mental health conditions,” Mercille says.