TMS Therapy in NYC
The first line of treatment for depression and other mood disorders typically involves a combination of medication and talk therapy. This treatment strategy proves effective for many people. However, some patients may experience troublesome side effects or have persistent symptoms that fail to respond to treatment.
Every individual’s experience with depression is different, and as a result, experiences with depression treatments vary. At Principium Psychiatry, we believe everyone deserves access to the mental health care they need to feel better. That’s why, in addition to traditional psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, we offer innovative treatment options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
TMS is a safe, non-invasive treatment method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder. Although patients with a variety of mental health needs and concerns can benefit from TMS therapy, it is primarily recommended for patients with treatment-resistant symptoms and those who have had intolerable side effects from antidepressants.
At Principium Psychiatry, we offer TMS in New York, where our medical director Dr. Cohen and the rest of our experienced staff supervise treatment sessions and create individualized plans to help patients find relief and regain energy, motivation, peace of mind and joy in their lives. Learn more about TMS therapy in New York and feel free to contact our Manhattan office with any questions you may have. We see patients in our comfortable midtown office between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends by special appointment. We have three convenient locations, two in Midtown Manhattan near Columbus Circle and one in Lower Manhattan along Wall Street.
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS, which stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a form of neuromodulation that utilizes a pulsing magnetic field to induce electrical current. This innovative psychiatric treatment utilizes Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, such that a magnetic field is produced by passing electric current through a wire coil (Horvath et al., 2011). When placed against the scalp, current from the magnet passes through the skull and electrically stimulates neurons directly beneath it. This electrical stimulation, when tuned to a high enough frequency of more than 10 Hz, results in depolarization, or excitation of nerve cells, causing them to fire at an increased rate. Increased neuronal firing in turn modulates connectivity and activates pathways involved in mood regulation.
TMS received FDA approval for the treatment of major depression in 2008, and it is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. In patients with major depressive disorder, daily, repetitive TMS works to induce long-term activation of nerve cells that are otherwise underactive.
To create electrical currents, TMS therapy relies on a device containing a metal coil, which the supervising doctor or technician places gently against the side of the head. The magnetic pulses generated match those produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines in type and strength. TMS doesn’t require you to take any medication or deviate from your regular routine aside from attending scheduled treatments. The treatment is completely non-invasive and endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association. It is often used for pregnant or breastfeeding women who do not wish to take medication.