rTMS Therapy for Clinical Depression (FDA & NICE Approved)

Depression is a complex illness which can affect all areas of one’s life. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an innovative, non – invasive treatment for depression.
If you are suffering with depression, you are not alone. About one in ten people are living with depression or an anxiety disorder, and it is believed that there are still many undiagnosed. Despite its prevalence and the severe impact that depression can have on people’s lives, many of those affected try to put up a brave front, not wishing to “trouble” their loved ones with the problem. Unfortunately, if left untreated, depression often worsens over time.

Am I depressed?

Depression is a complex condition, and no two sufferers will feel exactly the same way. However, there are some general symptoms that doctors have identified as being common, such as a persistent low mood, lack of energy, reduced interest in life and problems with concentration.
If you are suffering from Depression, you may be likely to experience the following symptoms:
Experience a low mood for extended periods of time
Lose your ability to enjoy life – even activities you used to love, such as hobbies
Feel difficulty in connecting and enjoying spending time with people, even those closest to you
Sometimes Depression sufferers can even lose their ability to feel love for family and friends
Suffer with anxiety. This can be extremely troubling, sometimes even more so than the low mood. It can at times make everyday activities almost impossible
Have problems with your appetite. Many people struggle to eat enough when they are depressed. Or others may comfort eat to try to counteract negative emotions
Experience disturbed sleep patterns. Some people sleep more when they are depressed Others suffer with problems getting to sleep at night, followed by a tendency to wake very early
Be preoccupied with the past, often with a sense of regret or guilt
Find it difficult or even impossible to concentrate
Be irritable
Suffer with poor short-term memory or a sense of absent-mindedness
Avoid socialising
Experience a sense of dread or hopelessness about the future

What can I do when prescribed treatments for depression don’t work?

The most commonly prescribed treatments for Depression – antidepressants and talking therapies – sadly do not always work. In fact, treatment-resistant depression is all too common. Research studies have shown that up to two thirds of people with depression continue to suffer with symptoms despite taking antidepressants and/or undergoing psychotherapy. Up until recently, little or nothing could be done for these people.
In other cases, the side effects that can result from medication – such as weight gain, decreased sex drive, sleep problems and tiredness – can put such a strain on a sufferer that taking the medication just doesn’t seem worth it.
Smart CNS Center is able to offer patients rTMS, a highly sophisticated, scientifically-proven intervention to beat depression.

How does rTMS treat depression?

The efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of depression is unquestionable and scientifically substantiated. As early as 2008, the FDA approved the application of rTMS for the treatment of persistent depression in the US. In fact, official guidelines for the application of rTMS have been issued by the American Clinical TMS Society, namely:

Guideline No.1: Treatment with TMS is recommended as the main treatment for symptomatic relief in depression.

Guideline No.2: TMS treatment may be used as follow-up or maintenance therapy for patients who have benefitted from a previous course of treatment.

Guideline No.3: TMS treatment is recommended for use as a follow-up option for patients who have benefitted from a previous course of treatment have a recurrence (continuation or maintenance) of their illness.

Guideline No.4: TMS treatment may be repeated in patients experiencing a recurrent depressive episode, after an initial response to TMS therapy.

Guideline No.5: TMS treatment may be administered in its own, or in conjunction with antidepressants or other medications.

Long – term efficacy depends on several factors, such as the specific nature and severity of the disorder, the number of depressive episodes, environmental factors, the response of each patient to biological therapies, and more.
Our team designs and applies an individual approach – protocol for each patient, to ensure the best chance of an optimal, long – term outcome.

In addition to the standard 20 – 36 session cycle which is necessary to achieve remission in a depressive episode, we apply maintenance and enhancement protocols that may include weekly, 15 – day or monthly follow – up sessions, in conjunction with psychiatric assessment. This way, we make the most of rTMS’ benefits in terms of efficacy and safety, while providing patients with an opportunity for immediate and lasting relief from depression, without the inhibiting side effects that can come with antidepressant medication. Indeed, for many patients, it has proved to be the most significant investment they have ever made.

If you are suffering with depression, there is a solution. At our clinic, our help is completely confidential. Our experts will take the time to assess you thoroughly, to ensure rTMS is right for you.