Many patients turn to us because they feel that their medication, therapy, or other treatments are not working to manage their mental health. Many of these patients want to explore brain-stimulating therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). But how do ECT and TMS therapy work, and which one might be right for you?
We want to help you understand these options. We will explain what ECT and TMS therapy are, their pros and cons, and how they might help you. At Beautiful Minds Medical, our goal is to give you the information you need to make the best choices for your mental health treatment. Contact us today to learn more about TMS therapy vs. ECT, and let’s explore together how we can support you on your path to better mental health.
ECT has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for mental health issues. It is FDA-cleared for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.
ECT sends small electrical currents to your brain, which causes controlled seizures. These seizures activate parts of the brain that are typically underfunctioning in patients with mental health disorders. Activating your brain cells can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of mental health issues. Each treatment lasts about five to 10 minutes and requires approximately one hour of monitoring by a medical practitioner afterward.
During a typical ECT treatment, the medical team will administer the ECT procedure. After your treatment, you will rest for about an hour while being monitored. Typically, you will have ECT two to three times a week based on the severity of your condition and your treatment plan.
The ECT procedure follows strict safety guidelines. However, there are some drawbacks: You might experience temporary memory loss, and it may not be right for you if you cannot tolerate anesthesia. If you live in a remote area, getting access to treatment might be difficult.
TMS therapy is a newer treatment than ECT, and it has been available since the 2008. TMS has been well researched and is effective for mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
TMS therapy works by targeting specific areas of your brain that impact your mood and behavior. During your treatment, your brain receives repeated stimulation in the form of electromagnetic waves, which helps normalize its activity. This technology is similar to the technology used in MRI treatments and is considered to be very safe.
NeuroStar, a type of TMS that is offered at our practice, involves daily sessions lasting about 20 minutes over roughly two months. You will not need anesthesia or sedation. During the treatment, you will stay awake and comfortable while electromagnetic waves stimulate your brain. After each session, you can go back to your regular activities with no waiting time or monitoring needed. Many patients see improvements after four to six weeks, but some may notice positive changes as soon as two to three weeks after their first treatment.
NeuroStar can be very beneficial for our patients, and it can be a convenient, and rapidly delivered treatment option. If you’re interested in pursuing NeuroStar under our wholistic care model, speak to our specialists today.
ECT and TMS therapy both provide benefits that can greatly enhance your well-being. The best option for you will depend on your specific situation and mental health needs. When you meet with our supportive mental health team at Beautiful Minds Medical, you will receive detailed information about TMS therapy vs. ECT to help you choose the right treatment for your symptoms. Our practice embraces a wholistic approach to mental health, focusing on nutrition, exercise, hydrotherapy, spirituality, and nature. Our “CHOOSE LIFE” model promotes your overall well-being by addressing your mind, body, and spirit with our treatments.
Don’t wait—schedule your consultation today, and start your journey toward feeling better from depression, OCD, and anxious depression. You deserve to feel good, and our caring team is here to help you.
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
Important Safety Information
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.
**FDA Clearance K231926 The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients aged 12 to 21 (average 19.2 ± 1.5) were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. “Measurable relief” was defined as a CGI-S score ≤3 and “complete remission” was defined as a CGI-S score ≤2 at the end of treatment.
***Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401.
