BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – A new mental health treatment option has emerged in Bismarck with the introduction of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, offering hope for individuals struggling with conditions like depression, PTSD, and OCD. Despite its availability as an alternative treatment for several years, TMS therapy is still not widely used in North Dakota.
What is TMS Therapy?
According to Dr. Tara Harding at Simply You Wellness, TMS therapy utilizes magnetic impulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Madison Kirsch explains that these magnetic impulses aim to “reignite synapses” in the brain, particularly in regions that may be “sleepy” or less active in individuals with depression.
“It’s basically sending magnetic impulses into the brain to reignite synapses, where in depression, they found some of those areas of the brain are ‘sleepy,’” Kirsch stated. This therapy helps to “reawaken those pathways” that traditional medications might not effectively target.
Treatment Process and Efficacy
The TMS treatment involves patients sitting in a specially designed chair with attached headgear for sessions lasting between three to 18 minutes. Patients typically undergo treatment five days a week over a total of seven weeks. While this may sound intensive, Dr. Harding likens it to chemotherapy for cancer, referring to TMS as “physical therapy for the brain.”
According to Dr. Harding, about 60% of patients experience remission from their symptoms after completing the treatment, with many able to reduce or eliminate their reliance on medications entirely.
Conditions Treated
In addition to depression, TMS therapy can be effective for various mental health conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Accessibility and Insurance Coverage
One of the key advantages of TMS therapy is its accessibility; most insurance companies cover this treatment, and patients do not require a referral to schedule an appointment. Individuals interested in exploring whether the NeuroStar TMS system is suitable for them can contact Simply You Wellness in Bismarck for more information.
Conclusion
The introduction of TMS therapy in Bismarck represents a promising development for individuals seeking alternative treatment options for mental health disorders. With its non-invasive nature and potential for significant symptom relief, TMS could provide a new path toward recovery for those who have exhausted traditional therapies.
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