Eat This Not That: Depression Edition
What you eat and how you feel are connected. For those with depression, this link is even more critical; you can make depression worse or better depending on what you put in your body.
Is Your Depression Treatment-Resistant? TMS Therapy May Help
If you struggle with major depressive disorder (MDD) and none of the antidepressant medications your doctor prescribes seem to work, you could have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is true of about 30% of patients diagnosed with MDD.
At Genesis Psychiatric Solutions, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Ifeanyi Olele treats a range of mental health issues, including depression types such as MDD and TRD. Today, we want you to learn more about your options if you have treatment-resistant depression.
Treatment-resistant depression
Treatment-resistant depression is a condition in which you have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and have tried two different first-line antidepressant medications at the appropriate dosage for at least six to eight weeks each.
If you still struggle with depressive symptoms after this effort, don’t give up. Just because your depression is resistant to treatment doesn’t mean it’s treatment-proof. You may need a complementary treatment to help your brain start making new pathways and decrease symptoms tied to MDD.
TMS for treatment-resistant depression
A way to complement treatment for depression and help overcome TRD is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS for treatment-resistant depression works by stimulating the nerve cells in your brain responsible for mood and depression.
We place an electromagnetic coil against your head, and it sends painless pulses through your skull to gently stimulate your brain. You might hear a clicking noise and feel a light tap against your head with each pulse.
The frequency of the pulse and duration varies depending on the mapping of your brain and how severe your symptoms are.
TMS therapy and results
Most people suffer no side effects from TMS. But one side effect that some people suffer is a mild headache that often goes away soon after the appointment and may or may not repeat after other appointments.
TMS therapy may partially or fully relieve MDD symptoms. If you find depressive symptoms or thoughts returning after a few months, you can get another series of sessions with TMS.
Dr. Olele can discuss your options with you and help you decide if you want to pursue TMS therapy. Most people find that this method works best when used as an adjunct form of treatment rather than a stand-alone method for treating TRD.
You can receive psychotherapy sessions from Dr. Olele while also getting TMS treatment. To learn more about your options, contact us by calling our office closest to you. We’re located in Fairfax and Alexandria, Virginia, and in Washington, DC. Schedule a 10-minute phone consultation today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Why Summer Is a Great Time to Start Tackling Your Mental Health Issues
Winter can be a tough time for people who have mental health conditions. That’s what makes summer such a good time to get started with treatment — come winter, you can be ready to face the cold, darker months with renewed health.
Things Few People Understand About PPD
You’re probably familiar with the concept of the “baby blues,” when new mothers feel down or emotional after giving birth. But postpartum depression, or PPD, is much more serious.
Can You Pass Mental Health Issues to Your Children?
If you have one or more mental health issues, you may be concerned that your children could inherit them. But can you really pass on mental health conditions to your offspring?
Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Early Signs, Treatment Options, and Hope for Recovery
Are you worried that a loved one has bipolar disorder? Knowing what early symptoms look like and what treatment options exist can help you support them on the path to better stability.
Living with ADHD as an Adult: Strategies to Stay Focused and Organized
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) doesn’t just magically go away when you get older. If you’re an adult living with ADHD, here are some strategies for managing your condition.