Anyone Heard of TMS Therapy? - Anxiety and Depre...

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Anyone Heard of TMS Therapy?

2getbetter profile image
12 Replies

I came across this on the radio in my area and wanted to know if anyone has heard of this and if so, any thoughts or good or bad results? I'm willing to try something new if it has a good success rate, but don't want to be a guinea pig. It is called Transcranial Magnetic stimulation and it says it is a non invasive medication free technique. The web site is HPR Treatment Centers- gk379-173a30.pages.infusion...

I hope that someone has heard of this and I hope that the response is positive.

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2getbetter
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12 Replies
Scott1951 profile image
Scott1951

This past Fall I underwent TMS therapy at my local hospital. I had 36 treatments, 4 each week for a period of a little more than 2 months. The only side effects I experienced was a bit of skin irritation on the scalp where the magnet was placed and occasionally a slight headache that went away when the treatments stopped. Each treatment cost between $300-$400 but it was all covered by Medicare and my supplemental insurance. My depression definitely improved and the change has held for about 5 months now. If I remember correctly, it's estimated that about 30% of patients experience full remission. Another 40% gain some benefit. The success rate is lower than ECT but the treatment is also a lot less invasive. If you have tried at least three antidepressants unsuccessfully, your insurance will cover it, and you can find a location close-by, give it serious consideration. But be sure to do your own research. Best of luck.

2getbetter profile image
2getbetter in reply to Scott1951

Thank you for your reply- I’m glad it helped you- I’m on my second medication now, but I don’t know if my insurance will cover it or not as it is not that good.

Pearl67 profile image
Pearl67

I have not. But I have heard of and am currently testing CES therapy! They gave (well ins paid) a device to my son while in treatment. It is widly used for ptsd in the military and in addiction treatment facilities...

google alpha stim or fischer wallace

Justswimming profile image
Justswimming

Heard of it want to try not sure of cost its used for psyhical pain pretty routinely now.

Nutella06 profile image
Nutella06

I had it done in 2013 and it was the best treatment I've ever had for my depression and anxiety. Only downside for me was insurance didn't cover it back then and I should have had a therapist to work out my anger issues. Got it again in 2016 with a different DR and it wasn't anywhere as effective as in 13. I'm hopefully going to get the Brainsway TMS next month and I believe that is one step up from the Neurostar that I had previously.

2getbetter profile image
2getbetter in reply to Nutella06

Thank you for your insight. I hope the next step you take helps even more.

Scott1951 profile image
Scott1951 in reply to Nutella06

Nutella, did/will your insurance cover TMS the second and third times? I thought I read that Medicare only will pay for it once.

Nutella06 profile image
Nutella06

Yes Insurance covered TMS the 2nd time in 2016. I was just responsible for the copay for every session. All I had to do to get it covered was show that I had taken at least 3 antidepressants that didn't lead to a recovery. I've been told by a nurse from the office I'm going back to next month that I will have to do the same. Showing that I have treatment resistant depression and need this kind of treatment to get better. BTW I have Blue/Cross Blue shield insurance.

Cat2 profile image
Cat2

Hi 2getbetter, I had TMS at the end of last year. It was a clinical trail, so it was free for me. It helped greatly. What has also helped was a psychiatrist that is also a neurologist. He is not like regular psychiatrists. He actually explains things and asks questions as to whether I would like to try increasing dosages or trying a new med. He treats me like a person, not just a patient. He is in Florida. Also, for some reason the stars aligned perfectly and I found a REAL trauma therapist. Not just one that took a weekend course in trauma and has decided they know how to treat it. Keep looking for good docs.

2getbetter profile image
2getbetter in reply to Cat2

Where was the clinical trial located? I would like to explore this more.

Thank you to everyone who has been replying to this and offering their support and insights. You all are awesome & I like to call you my family.

Cat2 profile image
Cat2 in reply to 2getbetter

The trial was in Florida. Try looking up 1) government trials, 2) Brainswave, 3) Neurostar. The last two are the major manufacturers of TMS equipment in the U.S. Also, try some combination of the three, like Brainswave TMS. If you want more info, let me know

Aosdan profile image
Aosdan

The research on TMS is mixed. The studies are usually criticised because of the small sample sizes. However, they do seem to report that it works very well in the case of PTSD. A good therapy in its own right or complimenting this is a once off session of Rapid Transformational Therapy that can be done interpersonally or as effectively online - you might find a link to more here - michaelconlonrtt.com I hope that helps

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