Our aim at Sydney TMS is to provide help for depression. TMS is an alternative depression treatment to the standard therapies more commonly available to people with depression symptoms. TMS (trasncranial magnetic stimulation) therapy is suitable for patients who have not responded to medication treatments. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for depression but many patients experience unpleasant side effects, or can experience treatment-resistant depression.
About TMS
TMS therapy provides an innovative treatment approach to depression. This therapy is supported by evidence-based research and is generally well tolerated. TMS therapy is different from other treatments as it allows you to continue your normal routine. Each session is approximately 40 minutes long, making it possible to have treatment before or after work, or during your lunch-break. You are fully conscious during your treatment, so you can listen to music, your favourite pod-cast or watch television, while you are here. And after treatment you can continue on with your regular day.
To find out if TMS can provide you with the help for depression that you need, we have put together a basic checklist containing guidelines that we use to assess patient suitability.
Is TMS suitable for you?
- Do you suffer with depression and have you tried 2 or more different antidepressant medications?
- Are you over the age of 18? At this stage research is currently being conducted and until results have been published and approved then TMS treatment is unavailable for patients under the age of 18 years)
- Are you pregnant or thinking about conceiving? (if so, you may have to put TMS on hold for a while as the effects have not been tested on pregnant women at this stage)
- Do you have metal implants above your shoulder area? (e.g., pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators etc)
Here at Sydney TMS, we understand that depression not only affects the individual, but also their support network of family and friends. This group of people are so important in the lives of our patients and we want to provide support to them as well. We do this through providing easy to understand information on our website and blog. Our friendly staff are happy to talk you through any concerns you may have regarding TMS therapy. We also extend an open invitation for our patients to bring members of their support network with them to their session. Not only does this reduce feelings of nervousness or anxiety for our patients, but it gives loved ones an opportunity to see what the treatment involves and ask any questions they may have regarding the therapy programme.
Help for depression while you undertake TMS
During TMS therapy we encourage you to continue with your current treatment advice. Your progress will be monitored carefully by our staff and recommendations will be made during your treatment course. Should anything change with your situation during your course with us, then please let us know. Our team will work closely with your treating doctors and therapists to make sure you receive the best care and outcomes from our treatment.
For more information on whether TMS can provide the necessary help for depression that you are looking for, please visit www.sydneytms.com.au. You can also contact one of our friendly staff members on 1300 177 144 or email us at info@sydneytms.com.au.
Help for depression can also be found by visiting your local GP, psychologist or alternative websites including Beyond Blue, Blackdog Institute.