The importance of mental health is starting to be more widely recognized in this day and age, but until recently, this was not the case. Inhumane methods such as electrocution, purging, and imprisonment were frequently used to treat mental health in the past. Now, scientists have discovered new methods of treatment that are less harmful and scientifically proven to alleviate symptoms regarding mental health issues, such as different forms of therapy and drugs, such as antidepressants. A recent addition to this list has been Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, also known as TMS.
TMS uses electrical stimulation along with the magnetic field to strengthen the connection between neurons in the brain. During TMS, a metal coil is placed at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that needs stimulation to cope with mental health issues. An electrical current is passed through the coil, creating a magnetic field. During mental illnesses, the function in this part of the brain is impaired, and TMS is meant to reverse this. Parts of the brain that are not receiving information have a negative charge, and the magnetic field allows this charge to become positive, therefore stimulating the brain and correcting the impaired function of the neuron. Depression is often associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and TMS has the ability to correct this These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in transmitting signals between neurons. An imbalance in these chemicals may disrupt communication within certain brain circuits, leading to difficulties in information processing
Unlike many previous methods, TMS is less invasive because it does not require the patient to go under anesthesia. This method also has minimal side effects, as it does not induce seizures, weight gain, and other side effects that come with ECT and antidepressants. In contrast, TMS has been shown to cause only mild scalp discomfort during the treatment sessions, with no systemic side effects reported, making it a more attractive option. Although TMS is not widely available yet and may not be covered by many insurance providers, there are ongoing research efforts that could cause this to change. This research could also allow TMS to be used for issues other than depression, as currently, it has been approved by the FDA for depression, OCD, and smoking.
It is important to approach TMS with a measured perspective, recognizing the limitations of the current state of research. Although this method should be explored, it is important to be cautious of the media’s portrayal of TMS. The public perception of TMS is heavily influenced by media narratives, which means that the positive effects of TMS have been overemphasized. Although TMS offers undeniable benefits, the method has not been thoroughly researched yet, so scientists do not know as much about it as the media makes it seem. Consulting reputable scientific studies and using other sources can help promote a more nuanced understanding of TMS. There are clear differences between scientific literature and media depictions,which means one must critically analyze their sources and make informed decisions. The media places importance on attention-grabbing headlines to attract audiences, and, at many times, oversimplifying the science of TMS. Many optimistic articles about TMS come from companies and commercial facilities offering TMS treatment, which may present biased and exaggerated views. To fully understand the true impact of TMS, the media should not be the sole source of one’s consultation and rather more reliable sources.
While TMS may not be the perfect solution that some portray it to be, it unquestionably has positive results in certain cases. There are continuous improvements being made in the field, which pave the way for enhanced reliability and effectiveness of TMS. These gradual advancements of the technique hold promise for individuals seeking alternative treatment options for mental health concerns. While TMS is generally considered safe, some patients may experience mild side effects such as scalp discomfort, headache, or muscle twitching. Implementing monitoring protocols and certain assessment tools can help identify and manage these side effects more effectively. Additionally, ongoing research is necessary to further understand the potential long-term effects of TMS and to establish guidelines for maintenance sessions to sustain treatment benefits over time.
It's amazing to see how science is evolving to provide safer and more effective treatments for mental health.