How TMS Works: A Simple Guide to Understanding Its Role in Relieving Depression

What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that uses a special magnet to send tiny pulses of energy into part of your brain. It does not involve surgery or putting you to sleep. During TMS, you sit in a chair and a device is placed gently against the side of your head. This device creates a painless magnetic pulse, similar to what you might feel during an MRI scan.

Why Do We Use TMS for Depression?
When someone has depression, certain parts of their brain may not work as well as they should. One important part is called the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This area helps with clear thinking, planning, and staying positive. In many people with depression, the DLPFC is less active than normal, making it harder to break free from sad or hopeless thoughts.

Another Brain Area Involved: The subgenual ACC (sgACC)
Deep inside the brain is the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC). This part is closely linked to mood and emotions. When someone is depressed, the sgACC can become too active, leading to strong negative feelings and making it harder to feel better.

How Do These Two Areas Work Together?
Think of it like a team sport: the DLPFC is the coach, helping to guide emotions in a healthy direction. The sgACC is like a player who can get too upset and overwhelmed. When the DLPFC (the coach) isn’t doing its job well, the sgACC (the upset player) can run wild, causing a person to feel deep sadness or worry all the time.

How Does TMS Help?
By using TMS on the left DLPFC, we “wake up” this coach so it can better control the team. As the DLPFC becomes stronger, it can calm down the sgACC. Over time, this helps reduce negative feelings and improves mood.

What to Expect During TMS

• You’ll sit in a comfortable chair.
• A device is placed against your head.
• You may feel a light tapping on your scalp, but it’s not painful.
• Each treatment session usually lasts under 25 minutes, and you can go back to your normal activities afterward.

Benefits of TMS
TMS can help relieve symptoms of depression, especially in people who haven’t improved enough with medications or therapy alone. It’s generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. Some people notice benefits after just a few weeks of regular sessions.

In Summary
TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to help the thinking part of your brain (the DLPFC) work better, so it can keep the emotional part (the sgACC) from becoming too negative. By improving the balance between these two areas, TMS can help lift mood, reduce sadness, and bring hope back into your life.

Take the Next Step If you are ready to consider TMS therapy, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how TMS can help you overcome depression and take the next step

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