Depression Symptoms Are Alleviated With Deep TMS

Using a magnetic field, a first-of-its-kind device in the Tri-Cities area treats anxiety and sadness.

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, or Deep T.M.S., is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that has been approved by the FDA to treat depressive symptoms. It is provided by Sunstone Psychological Services.

The device targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is where depression originates, and can stimulate up to six centimeters into the brain.

This treatment is available to patients who have depression that is resistant to treatment, which is defined as having not responded to two or more antidepressants or having had a medication stopped because of unfavorable side effects.

“It can make you feel dizzy, it can make you feel fatigued, it can make you feel nauseated or just unwell in general so, this really doesn’t have the systemic side affects associated with medications. And then just to be able to live and enjoy life again is something that’s huge for people,” said Kristine McMurray, a Psychiatrics Nurse Practitioner at Sunstone Psychological Services.

When Deep T.M.S. is combined with medication, the response and remission rate is 43.2% higher than when medication is used alone.