Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulatory and neuromodulatory technique. It has been approved by the FDA to treat different conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. You can also try it for these three conditions:

1. Major Depression

Major depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting 16.2 million Americans. It is characterized by sadness and loss of interest in activities that normally bring pleasure, changes in appetite and sleep habits, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, recurrent thoughts of death, or suicide.

The treatment for major depression is medication and psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, even after initial improvement, many patients do not respond to initial treatment. There are no reliable predictors to know which patient will not improve with the first-line treatment approach.

TMS therapy can potentially help patients that don't improve after multiple medications and psychotherapies. It emits electromagnetic pulses that stimulate nerve cells in the brain to relieve symptoms of depression, such as sadness and lack of interest.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a psychiatric illness with multiple causes that are not completely understood. It is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that lead to distress. Common obsessions include poor personal hygiene, fear of contamination, fear of causing harm, intrusive thoughts, and doubt. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking things repeatedly, touching objects, and asking for reassurance that something terrible hasn't happened or will happen.

The treatment for OCD combines antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and psychotherapy. However, when patients fail to respond to SSRI medication, TMS therapy could potentially help.

3. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by impairments in cognition and energy levels related to mood changes or cycles. During depressed phases, people suffer from sadness and lack of interest and motivation, and during manic phases, they may manifest signs of euphoria and agitation that lead to social problems, financial difficulties, or inappropriate sexual behavior.

The treatment for bipolar disorder is mainly medication, usually mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotic drugs. However, a substantial number of patients do not respond to first-line treatment. When medications fail, TMS therapy can be used to treat the condition effectively.

Conclusion

Depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are all diseases that can be difficult to treat with psychotherapy and medication alone. There is a rising trend of people choosing TMS therapy as an alternative treatment option because it is non-invasive and effective.