About Depression
1 in 10 people live with depression or anxiety
Clinical depression is one of the commonest health conditions in the Western world. Sadly, it is also one of the hardest to treat.
Clinical depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Depression is a serious health condition, and at its worst, can lead to suicide. The symptoms can include feeling down or worthless, feeling empty, taking no pleasure in things you used to enjoy, a lack of confidence or self-esteem, feeling suicidal.
Severe depression can lead to psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia or hearing voices.
Depression can also lead to self harming behaviours and suicide.
It is very common for patients with depression to show symptoms of anxiety, and vice versa. Common symptoms of anxiety include feeling restless, being agitated and being unable to sleep.
Video: What causes depression?
Smart TMS Medical Director, Dr Leigh Neal explains:
Results of TMS in treating depression
Remission accomplished
Existing treatment for depression have variable results, with counselling being effective for mild depression but much less so for moderate or severe depression. Antidepressants can be effective for some patients but often the effects wear off or the side effects making taking them intolerable.
By contrast TMS is widely effective and well tolerated.
Smart TMS has been offering treatment for depression with TMS in the UK for over two years. In that period our success rate has increased to 70-80%. This is a result of the proprietary protocols that we have developed which will be available to our patients in Ireland.
rTMS Suitability:
The primary contra indication for TMS treatment for depression is a metal implant in the brain or skull.
TMS treatment is not suitable for anybody under the age of 18.
If you have a history of epilepsy or any condition or medication increasing the risk of epilepsy, then this should be discussed with your rTMS Consultant.
rTMS Potential Side Effects:
The main side effects of TMS are scalp irritation and mild headaches. These usually wear off quickly but can be treated with over the counter pain relief if required. There is a small risk of seizure (1 in 30,000) but this is similar to the seizure risk with some anti-depressants.
The risk of any side effects should be weighed up with the potential benefits from treatment. Most patients using rTMS do not experience any side effects.
rTMS at Smart TMS, Ireland
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy treatment for depression is available at Smart TMS Ireland, based at our clinic in Dublin.
