Hi,
My psychiatrist has recommended Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Has anyone done this? Effective or no? Call me old fashioned but weirded out on magnets to the brain. Still open if it’s helpful but would love to hear pros/cons from others?
Insurance rant: my psychiatrist who’s in network actually offers this in office but not in my network for the procedure. SMH
Procedures almost always have to be approved by the FDA for what you are being treated for.
Hi Dude. TMS did not work for me (it didn't help with my ADHD, Dep, Anx). For me, there were no bad/down sides to it either. From what I've read, the one downside could be, that if your hopes were up so high believing this would be of help-such as for depression- and it didn't help, it may cause you to sink into deeper despair (that has to be more Hell for someone who is already suffering so badly).
The procedure was just sitting in a chair and then you would get like a small shock(?) wherever they aimed the machine. It was weird at the start-you never know what to expect at times with something you've never experienced before. Wasn't a big deal to me. I would check on the cost and insurance coverage, as I think I had 26 treatments(?). I don't remember the cost, but without insurance, I'm not sure if i could have afforded it.
If you go ahead and try this, I hope you get good results (relief of your ADHD problems? Symptoms are easier to manage?). I'd also be interested in your results. Regards.
I saw a video on YouTube with Andrew Huberman and Nolan (Wilson? I think?) from Stanford University in the US. They were initially talking about psychedelics, but went right into TMS in a segment. Fascinating stuff!
I’ll be interested in your experience if you can get through the friction caused by your insurance and provider.
Yes yes and yes! I did it over a year ago and went from 5 meds to only 1 at just a third of the old dose. I was treated for PTSD and depression but I believe they can also set it up for anxiety. The hard part was going 5 days a week for awhile but totally worth it in the end. And you can only Hear it not actually feel anything like a shock I wish they could treat ADHD with it
I’ve not had this treatment myself, but am responding because the fact that the Doc is prescribing a procedure/treatment that he happens to offer in his office is a red flag. Do some research and learn a little more about it first.
so I am 3 weeks in with TMS therapy. I can’t say anything has happened earth shattering as of yet. My ‘prescription’ is a higher frequency they say and it took a strong 2 weeks to be comfortable or acclimated but can’t say I’ve seen any mood altering effects yet. Like someone else mentioned it as a pain going 5 days a week but then again always being depressed, hopeless etc is a pain as well.
I’ll repost as my journey continues, keep your fingers crossed for me.
hi Dude, care to give us an update as I am now considering this as well. Have adhd, anx, dep, ptsd, rsd that is career crippling, likely misophonia and my dad had parkinsons and i am ready to research this is as a solution at my sister's recommendation.
Hi, sorry it’s been a while since I gave an update. I would say the jury is still out but it’s starting to feel promising (which scares me but that’s why we are the way we are) I can’t say my anxiety and adhd has improved and they said it likely would not except for help with anxiety but depression seems better.
The way they explained the cycle and I’m half way through my 36 treatments is you hit a false high, bottom out then come to a “normal” level of mood. I have been feeling better depression wise and when mentioning this to the tech that I thought I was in my false high period she said I should have already gone through the timelines for this so maybe I am feeling better. One negative is if your prone to headaches or migraines, the therapy triggers more of them but this is a short term problem I’m willing to take if this helps for the long term,
Once I’m done or close to being done I should know more of where I am at and then will see psych for possible medication changes (less or perhaps something different) they say most will need less or maybe a different regime but the whole intent is helping those that are medication resistant so if you are like me and have been through a million different types, I am crossing my fingers that I will get to a point of needing less.
I have some environmental things (work) that without changes will likely remain as difficult or “depressing” but I feel less consumed by this on most days now and more accepting. This doesn't mean I want to remain in a bad situation but it’s a start.
So, to make a short story long which my ADHD lends itself to doing so, things seem better but I am optimistically guarded.
More updates to come…….
thank you Dude. Look forward to following and very happy to hear about the relief you are feeling.
My expectations might be too high for any treatment out there.
Too quick to diagnose?
Psychiatrist forced end of my therapy
Adult ADHD, Adderall or Ritalin?
Advocating for yourself at the doctor
Enough with the ADHD! 
