When traditional depression treatments fail to provide relief, it's hard to know where to turn. You've tried medication after medication, attended countless therapy sessions, and still struggle with the weight of depression that affects every aspect of your life. But what if there were a treatment that could offer new possibilities without the side effects of medications?
Diamond Edge TMS stands as an expert provider of innovative Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy in Vancouver, WA, FDA-approved for civilians, military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families, ages 15 to 80+. Led by Dr. Jerald Block, a board-certified psychiatrist with 25+ years of experience and three combat deployments, we understand the unique challenges you face.
Our personalized, confidential approach offers hope when traditional treatments haven't worked. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to explore how TMS therapy can help you reclaim your mental health and quality of life.
Understanding TMS therapy is the first step toward finding out whether this breakthrough treatment could be the answer you've been seeking.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. It's performed while you're awake and alert, allowing you to drive yourself to and from appointments and return to your daily activities immediately. Generally, people talk with our staff or watch TV during the treatment.
The FDA first approved TMS for treating medication-resistant depression in 2008, and since then, it has become an increasingly important tool for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The treatment is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and continues to show promise for other mental health conditions, including anxiety and PTSD.
Types of TMS Treatment
There are two approaches to TMS treatment, each designed to meet different patient needs:
- Standard TMS: Involves daily 20-minute sessions over approximately 6-7 weeks.
- Accelerated TMS: Provides multiple treatments per day over a shorter period, typically 5 days.
How TMS Works: The Science Behind the Therapy
Understanding how TMS affects the brain helps explain why this treatment can be effective when medications haven't worked. Depression often involves decreased activity in certain brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This area plays a crucial role in mood regulation, decision-making, and emotional processing.
TMS leverages the brain's natural ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, a property known as neuroplasticity. During treatment, focused magnetic pulses are delivered to the prefrontal cortex. These magnetic pulses stimulate neural activity in the area, gradually helping to restore normal brain function over the course of treatment.
The magnetic field generated during TMS is similar in strength to an MRI machine, but is applied in short pulses rather than continuously. This targeted stimulation helps create new neural pathways and strengthens existing ones, leading to lasting improvements in mood and overall mental health.
The Treatment Process
During a TMS session, you'll sit comfortably in a specialized treatment chair. A trained technician positions a magnetic coil against your head, targeting the specific brain region that controls mood. When activated, the device delivers magnetic pulses that penetrate just a few centimeters into the brain tissue.
The magnetic stimulation feels like gentle tapping on your scalp. You can talk, listen to music, or watch TV during sessions, making the experience more comfortable and less clinical.
Why TMS Succeeds Where Medications Fail
Traditional antidepressants work by altering brain chemistry through neurotransmitter systems. While effective for many people, medications can cause side effects and may not address the specific neural activity patterns underlying an individual's depression.
TMS takes a different approach by directly stimulating brain regions that have become underactive. This targeted intervention can be effective even when multiple medications have failed, offering new hope for treatment-resistant depression. Interestingly, many of the same brain circuits that “light up” and become active with TMS are also the same areas that effective antidepressants also make active.
Conditions TMS is Commonly Used to Treat
While TMS is best known for treating depression, research continues to expand our understanding of its applications across various mental health conditions.
Major Depressive Disorder
TMS has shown remarkable effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression. Studies indicate that approximately 60-80% of patients experience significant symptom improvement, with almost half achieving complete remission. These success rates are particularly impressive considering that TMS is typically reserved for patients who haven't responded to multiple medication trials.
Recent research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that TMS was two-and-a-half times more likely to achieve a 50% or greater reduction in symptoms compared to optimized medication treatment. Even more encouraging, TMS was five-and-a-half times more likely to lead to complete resolution of depression.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The FDA approved TMS for OCD treatment in 2022, recognizing its effectiveness for this challenging condition. OCD often involves hyperactivity in certain brain circuits, and TMS can help normalize this excessive neural activity. Here, a different frequency of stimulation reduces the activity of the brain circuits driving Obsessive-Compulsive thoughts. Studies show that many patients experience around a 6-point drop in their T-BOCS test for OCD after TMS treatment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
While not yet FDA-approved for PTSD, research shows promising results for TMS in treating trauma-related symptoms. Military personnel and first responders (populations at higher risk for PTSD) may particularly benefit from TMS therapy's ability to address hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and intrusive memories without the cognitive side effects of many medications.
Anxiety Disorders
Here, the right prefrontal cortex is often stimulated at a low 1Hz frequency. TMS is often found to reduce anxiety symptoms, especially when anxiety co-occurs with depression. The treatment's ability to regulate brain activity in regions associated with fear and worry makes it a valuable option for various anxiety disorders.
Key Benefits of TMS for Mental Health
TMS offers several distinct advantages that make it particularly valuable for certain populations and treatment situations.
No Systemic Side Effects
Unlike medications that circulate throughout your body, TMS acts locally on specific brain regions. This targeted approach means you won't experience the systemic side effects common with antidepressants, like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or cognitive dulling. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during treatment, which typically decreases over time.
Maintains Cognitive Function
TMS preserves your mental clarity and cognitive abilities. You can continue working, driving, and maintaining your responsibilities throughout treatment. This is particularly important for military personnel, first responders, and others in roles requiring sharp mental performance.
No Anesthesia or Recovery Time
TMS is performed while you're fully conscious and alert. There's no need for anesthesia, and you can immediately return to your normal activities after each session. This convenience allows you to fit treatment into your schedule without major lifestyle disruptions.
Compatible with Other Treatments
TMS can be used alongside psychotherapy and, in some cases, with medications. This flexibility allows for comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to individual needs.
Insurance Coverage and Next Steps
Nearly all private insurers cover TMS for serious and resistant depression. The government does as well. Medicare will pay for much of TMS care and, if you are a service member, veteran, or family member with TRICARE coverage, you should know that TRICARE covers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy as an outpatient procedure. This benefit is available to active-duty military personnel, Guard and Reserve members, recently separated veterans with TRICARE, and their families. Coverage is typically available for individuals with severe treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to standard antidepressant medications. Your eligibility may depend on your specific private insurance or TRICARE plan: Prime, Select, or Reserve Select. If you are unsure of your status or coverage, our team is here to help review your options and guide you through the next steps.
Get the Mental Health Support You Need Today
TMS therapy represents a breakthrough in mental health treatment, offering hope and healing when traditional approaches haven't provided relief. This innovative treatment harnesses the power of targeted brain stimulation to restore healthy neural function and improve quality of life.
Don't let treatment-resistant depression continue to impact your life. Contact Diamond Edge TMS today to schedule a consultation and discover how TMS therapy can help you reclaim your mental health, restore your resilience, and return to the life you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMS therapy painful?
TMS therapy is generally well-tolerated and not considered painful. Most people describe feeling a tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp during the session. You might have mild discomfort or a slight headache after the first few treatments, but these symptoms are usually temporary and decrease with time.
How long before I see results?
Many patients begin to notice improvements in mood and energy after two to four weeks of consistent daily sessions. However, everyone’s journey is unique—some may experience changes sooner, while others may take the full course to see significant benefits. Your provider will monitor your progress closely and support you throughout the process.
Can I drive after treatment?
Yes. TMS is non-sedating and non-invasive, so you can safely drive yourself to and from appointments. There is no recovery time needed, and you can return to your usual activities immediately after your session.
Does private insurance or TRICARE require a referral for TMS?
Normally, no. A pre-authorization is needed but we manage that. However, TRICARE Prime does require a referral from a Servicemember’s Primary Care Manager (PCM). On the other hand, the TRICARE Select plans may allow you to seek specialty care, including TMS, without a referral. If you’re unsure about your plan’s requirements, the Diamond Edge TMS team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you get the support you need.
