Depression is among the most common mental disorders today. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that an astonishing 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Depression is also the leading cause of disability and a major factor in the worldwide prevalence of various mental disorders. Studies have shown that depression affects women more than men and is often the lead cause for suicides among people of all ages.
Although there are effective pharmacological and psychological treatments for mild to severe depression, these are often not sufficient in combating the condition. This is where Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an ideal solution for the treatment of depression.
How does rTMS work?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment treats severe depression. An rTMS treatment is mostly recommended after the traditional medications and psychotherapy fail are not successful in treating depression. Usually, doctors advise taking at least one round of anti-depressants before choosing to undergo rTMS treatment. At times, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is also used in combination with conventional medication and psychotherapy for best results.
An rTMS treatment is a non-invasive medical treatment. Usually, an rTMS treatment involves sitting or reclining while a specially designed electromagnetic coil is placed near the head. During the first rTMS treatment session, the aim is to find the motor threshold, which is the amount of magnetic energy that is required to make your hand move by only stimulating your brain. This allows the doctor the specific dose for treatment needed in individual patients. Once the electromagnetic coil is placed in the prefrontal area of the head and activated, the patient will feel a tapping sensation and hear clicking sounds from the electromagnetic coil.
Procedure
In the beginning, the rTMS treatment in Bangalore may feel uncomfortable. However, the experts in the rTMS hospitals use lower doses for the initial 3 sessions to help the patients get used to the strange sensations. After the patient gets used to the sensation, the rTMS treatment is not uncomfortable anymore.
The electromagnetic coil is typically placed on the forehead, which is the part of the brain that controls your moods. After it is switched on, the electromagnetic coil emits magnetic pulses to the specifically targeted portion of your brain. This results in generating an electrical current in the targeted nerve cells. These electrical currents are most helpful in stimulating brain cells, which results in lowering the feeling of depression.
Although scientists are still trying to figure out how exactly the rTMS treatment works, the magnetic stimulation has been found to increase or decrease activity in the parts of the brain that become dormant due to depression. The frequency of the electromagnetic pulses (fast or slow) helps to activate or deactivate the targeted brain cells. High frequency rTMS treatment in the forward brain area helps to stimulate neurons that help to regulate the moods. In some cases, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may also alter brain circuits, BDNF (neuron growth factors), neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin as well as increase level of endogenous (brain-generated) opioid.
Thanks to advances in the treatment, you may find various techniques and methods being used to perform rTMS treatment in Bangalore. However, it is highly recommended to seek rTMS treatment from renowned and expert psychotherapists for rTMS in Bangalore.
How effective is rTMS against mental illness?
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a type of brain stimulation therapy that is useful in treating anxiety and depression. It has been used extensively for over 30 years and involves using a magnet to aim and stimulate specific areas of the brain.
When the conventional forms of treatment methods fail to treat depression, then rTMS treatment is recommended. Remarkably large numbers of patients suffering from depression have reported a dramatic decrease in symptoms.
Studies have shown that over 75% of patients suffering from depression report feeling better after multiple rTMS treatments. In addition to the treatment of depression, rTMS is also extremely helpful in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a 60% success rate for such patients. Over three-quarters of the patients suffering from depression reported a decrease in symptoms. Many more have achieved success in getting rid of depression after conventional medications and therapy have failed to get results.
What is the duration of rTMS?
The duration of an rTMS treatment session depends on the type of machine and the specific treatment protocol being used. The conventional types of rTMS treatment in Bangalore can take up to 60 minutes or more for a session. In comparison, modern rTMS treatment sessions may last around 30 minutes at a time. Even more advanced methods for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment may get the treatment done in 20 minutes or less.
For successful rTMS treatment, multiple treatment sessions are recommended. These series of treatments at rTMS hospitals are usually done 5 days a week. They may last for 4 to 6 weeks, with the sessions becoming gradually less during the next 3 weeks.
Benefits of rTMS
One of the main benefits of rTMS treatment is that it helps to treat depression when other conventional methods, such as anti-depressant medications and other psychotherapies, have failed to get successful results.
It is an entirely non-invasive treatment method that does not require making incisions or using intravenous injections. This makes it incredibly safe, cheap, and extremely effective.
As the rTMS treatments get more advanced and increasingly common, the cost of treatment at the best rTMS hospital in Bangalore is incredibly low. Despite the multiple sessions required for effective treatment of depression using rTMS, patients can afford the treatment easily without it becoming a financial burden to them.
Age is not a huge factor when it comes to performing rTMS treatment to treat depression, as this is a non-invasive and inexpensive treatment method. Youngsters, adults, and seniors alike can benefit from rTMS treatments.
Conclusion
When conventional treatment methods fail to reduce the noticeable signs of depression and OCD. Then it is highly recommended to consult your doctor for prescribing rTMS treatment in Bangalore.
To ensure you get the best rTMS in Bangalore, make sure to get in touch with the top rTMS hospital in the city.
