Has anyone used transcranial magnetic stimulationfor medication resistant depression?

[irisblue]

From google...
TMS is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, primarily to treat depression in patients who have not responded to medication. The treatment involves a magnetic coil placed on the head, delivering pulses that create electrical currents to improve mood-regulating areas of the brain. Side effects are typically mild and include headaches or scalp discomfort, and there is a small risk of seizures in patients with epilepsy.


I am tired of life lived in greyness

[Ilsa]

1. My psychiatrist has recommended it for me.

My issue is about getting to her office for 5x/week for 6 weeks. I might start it early next year.

Medicare pays for it. I'd love to stop taking my SSRI.

[SheltieLover]

2. No, but John Elder Robison wrote a book about it

https://thinkingautismguide.com/2016/03/switched-on-frank-conversation-with.html

Please keep in mind that he is neurodivergent.

[Easterncedar]

3. A friend recently has. Cautiously positive so far.

Worth a try.

[normalynn]

4. yes

I had a course two years ago and it provided relief for a time. I had left-sided treatments. Some patients report long-term improvement. I had no side effects.

[Mossfern]

5. My son has

So far it's the only treatment that has helped.
Unfortunately he's now on medicaid which doesn't pay for it. I offered to stop my treatments for PTSD, Chronic, anxiety and depression in order to pay out of pocket for his treatments. At my ripe old age I've finally been diagnosed as neurodivergent as well.

My son has his whole life ahead of him.
Me?
I've dealt with this shit for more than 70 years. I don't want him to go through what I did. His depression is scary.

Honestly the transcranial magnetic stimulation has been a godsend.
The alternative is ECT - something he refuses to do, and I don't blame him.