Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is emerging as a promising and FDA-cleared treatment for adolescent depression and other mental health disorders. As the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression increases in children and adolescents, innovative treatment methods like TMS at Active Path are offering new hope.
Here, we’ll explore how TMS therapy works, its safety profile, and why it’s an effective solution for adolescent patients facing mood disorders.
Contact Active Path or call 503.719.4648 to learn whether TMS treatment may be right for an adolescent in your life.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that involves using magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, particularly targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in people with major depression. The treatment involves placing a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp, which delivers high-frequency magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells. Unlike medications that affect the entire body, TMS targets the brain directly, providing a localized and precise approach to treatment.
TMS therapy has shown great promise in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety, particularly in individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments. For adolescents, this can be a game-changer and give them a new avenue for relief from debilitating symptoms.
How TMS Works
During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed on the patient’s scalp, delivering TMS energy exposure to stimulate the brain. This process can help restore normal brain activity and improve mood regulation. Types of TMS include:
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
- Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS)
Both methods have shown significant promise in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescent populations. Advanced techniques like intermittent theta burst stimulation are also being explored for optimal outcomes.
TMS for Adolescent Depression
Prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health issues affecting adolescents, with up to 25% of teenagers experiencing significant depressive symptoms. Left untreated, adolescent depression can lead to severe consequences, including suicidal behavior, academic decline, and social isolation.
Traditional treatments like antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective but are not universally successful. In fact, up to 40% of adolescents with depression do not respond to initial treatments—a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adolescents
Treatment-resistant depression poses a significant challenge for clinicians and families alike. Adolescents with TRD often experience prolonged suffering, which can affect every aspect of their lives. This is where TMS therapy comes in. By directly stimulating the brain, TMS offers an alternative approach that bypasses many of the limitations of medication and psychotherapy.
Effectiveness of TMS Treatment
Clinical Effectiveness of TMS
TMS therapy has shown remarkable clinical effectiveness in treating adolescent depression. Many adolescents report feeling better after just a few sessions, with improvements in mood, energy levels, and concentration. Unlike medications, which can take weeks to show results and may come with significant side effects, TMS offers a faster and more targeted solution.
Comparison with Other Treatments
When compared to traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy, TMS has several advantages:
- Non-invasive: Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires anesthesia and can cause memory loss, TMS is painless and does not require sedation.
- Minimal side effects: Common side effects of TMS are mild and temporary, including scalp discomfort and headache.
- High success rate: Studies have shown that TMS can be as effective as medication and psychotherapy, particularly for treatment-resistant cases.
Safety and Side Effects of TMS
One of the most appealing aspects of TMS for adolescents is its safety profile. Unlike medications that can cause systemic side effects, TMS primarily affects the brain region being targeted.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of TMS include:
- Mild headache
- Scalp discomfort at the treatment site
- Fatigue
These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own shortly after treatment.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects, such as seizures, are extremely rare. TMS therapy is generally contraindicated for individuals with a history of seizures or those with metal implants in the head. Proper screening by a qualified specialist ensures that TMS is safe for each patient.
What to Expect During TMS Therapy
A typical TMS session lasts between 3 and 20 minutes. The patient sits in a comfortable chair while the magnetic coil is placed against their scalp. During the session, they may feel a tapping sensation on their head, but the procedure is otherwise painless.
Most patients require 20 to 30 sessions over the course of 4 to 6 weeks. Some clinics offer accelerated TMS treatments, where multiple sessions are administered in a single day, potentially speeding up the treatment process.
A Promising Future for TMS Therapy at Active Path
As research continues to evolve, TMS therapy holds great promise for adolescent mental health. With its proven effectiveness, minimal side effects, and non-invasive nature, TMS is paving the way for a new frontier in mental health treatment. For adolescents and families seeking hope and healing, TMS offers a path forward—one that is both empowering and life-changing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, consider speaking with one of our specialists about TMS therapy at Active Path. Early intervention can make all the difference, and with TMS, a brighter future is within reach.
Curious if TMS therapy could help an adolescent in your life? Contact Active Path or call 503.719.4648 today to learn more!
