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rTMS Treatment for Depression

RTMS, or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an effective, evidence based treatment for depression. RTMS was introduced as a treatment for depression at the end of the 1990’s. Scientific- and clinical research has been carried out since, to ascertain safety of the treatment and to investigate the most effective protocols. Since 2008 rTMS is considered a safe therapy, determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA-approved).

Successfull treatment with TMS

Thousands of depressed patients have been successfully treated with rTMS. Current protocols have a success ratio of around 75% when rTMS is combined with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). That means that 75% of the people who have rTMS treatment combined with CBT, experience a significant reduction of the depression.

Patients that are diagnosed with a treatment-resistant depression (those that do not benefit from CBT), also show significant reduction of the depression.

How does rTMS treatment work?

A rTMS treatment stimulates the different parts of the brain, by administering short magnetic pulses. At TMS Center Europe we stimulate the pre-frontal area, which is scientifically proven to be the most efficient spot to stimulate. The stimulation can result in improvement of the communication between the different networks of the brain. This allows the patient to think in more rational patterns, rather than emotional patterns. The symptoms of depression will gradually decrease during the treatment.

The facts on rTMS-Treatment

rTMS has a 75% success ratio on depressed patients (combined with CBT)
rTMS shows effect within 10 sessions (we advise to stop treatment after 10 session when the effect doesn't occur)
rTMS is completely safe after check on EEG
rTMS is painless
rTMS has minimal side-effects (only possible headache or unpleasant feeling on stimulation area during treatment)
rTMS has a long-term effect on depression (>6 months)

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