rTMS treatment for depression and its other benefits
We often hear about treating depression with medications and electroconvulsive therapy. but have you ever heard of rTMS treatment for depression?
In this article, we will discuss repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for depression and its other benefits, as well as the importance of exercise in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
rTMS treatment
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new technique approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
It is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and some other psychological and neurological disorders without the need for anesthesia or medication.
rTMS is used when medications and other treatments are ineffective by altering activity in the neural network affected by a specific disorder.
This treatment is a non-surgical procedure that relies on the use of magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain to reduce symptoms of the disorder.
rTMS treatment for depression
Depression is a mood disorder that has three main causes: chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, and stress.
It is treated using medications and electroconvulsive therapy, if these methods are not effective, rTMS is used.
This involves sending electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells in the areas affected by the illness to improve depression symptoms.
Patients do not feel pain during rTMS treatment and do not require anesthesia and they can resume their daily activities after the sessions.
Other benefits of rTMs
As mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of rTMS for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and some other psychological and neurological disorders.
Therefore, it is used to treat the following conditions:
– Depression
– Obsessive-compulsive disorder
– Parkinson’s disease.
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
– Cognitive and memory difficulties
– Bipolar disorder
– Alzheimer’s disease
– Stroke rehabilitation
– Alcohol or nicotine addiction
– Schizophrenia
– Auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia
-Chronic pain
– Enhancing communication skills in autism patients
– Multiple sclerosis
– Fibromyalgia pain
Which option is better for treating depression? rTMS or ECT?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that has been used for many years to treat severe depression.
It involves placing electric poles on the scalp to deliver electric current to the brain, causing short-term memory loss.
On the other hand, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a modern treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
It involves sending electromagnetic pulses to the left frontal cortex to stimulate nerve cells and reduce depression symptoms.
It is an effective and safe treatment that does not require anesthesia, does not cause memory loss, and allows the patient to resume activities immediately after the session.
Additionally, the risk of significant side effects is much lower compared to electroconvulsive therapy.
The importance of exercise in alleviating symptoms of depression
Exercising helps improve your mental health and mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
It also aids in preventing anxiety and depression from recurring after feeling better.
As it releases endorphins that give you feelings of well-being, removes anxiety triggers from your mind, enhances your sense of well-being, boosts your confidence, and contributes to improving your mood.
In conclusion, let me tell you that exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it is not a substitute for psychological therapy or medication.
You should also consult your doctor before starting any exercise program to ensure it is safe for you and to determine the types of activities and the amount of exercise that are suitable for your condition.
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