TMS Therapy in Hawaii: Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Understanding TMS Therapy

Healing from mental health disorders, addiction, or a combination of these challenges is always a personal journey, and having as many options available to personalize each person’s healing plan is necessary. TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive form of therapy that stimulates areas of the brain to explore new ways of healing and overcoming mental health conditions, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder or treatment-resistant depression. However, while TMS can be an effective therapy and introduce more options for personalizing each person’s recovery journey, knowing what to expect and the goals of TMS treatment is still crucial to make the most of the transformative potential of TMS therapy in Hawaii. 

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate brain activity, delivering targeted magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain crucial for mood regulation. By exciting specific areas of the brain, those engaging in TMS treatment can improve their ability to regulate mood while increasing neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to make changes in response to new stresses or information. The brain’s ability to make new connections and learn throughout the process empowers each person to understand and challenge self-destructive thoughts and behaviors while developing new coping skills, adopting new perspectives, and improving mood regulation for a transformed approach to sustainable mental well-being. 

However, while TMS therapy in Hawaii can be a major benefit to those overcoming an array of mental health conditions, it is not a treatment to be used in isolation. Rather, TMS therapy is best used in conjunction with other therapies and treatment options. Continued individual and group talk therapy, holistic healing options, and continuing to explore medication options like antidepressants with a trained medical professional are all still necessary to make the most of TMS therapy. While TMS can be effective for improving daily quality of life and overcoming challenges associated with mental health disorders, it is not a replacement for other forms of therapy. Rather, it is an additional personalized option for a transformed approach to change. 

What Does Non-Invasive Treatment Mean?

Non-invasive treatment means that there is no downtime before or after treatment and comes with limited potential side effects. There are no sedatives, surgical cutting, or implants, and a person remains fully awake and alert throughout treatment. The magnetic pulses used for brain stimulation are delivered from outside the scalp. A person can also immediately return to daily life and functioning without the need for a recovery period following TMS sessions. These limited risks associated with non-invasive treatments can empower many people to explore these options for themselves more confidently and incorporate ongoing TMS treatment into daily life for lasting change. 

Is TMS Therapy an Effective Treatment for Depression?

Yes, TMS therapy has been very effective for managing major depressive disorder and is FDA-approved to help treat treatment-resistant depression. However, it is not typically the first option explored to overcome depression or its effects. Rather, TMS is only used after other methods, including antidepressants, have produced only limited results. By using TMS therapy to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation and focus, those living with treatment-resistant depression can find new ways of exploring mood regulation, helping to ease depressive symptoms and improve emotional wellness in daily life. 

Conditions Treated With TMS Therapy in Hawaii

TMS is most commonly used in treating treatment-resistant depression, empowering those affected by the intense effects of depression to find new ways of improving emotional regulation, mood, and taking agency over their mental health. However, TMS therapy is also used to help overcome other challenges. 

TMS can also be used in those overcoming addiction, especially as a symptom of co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, are when a person is challenged with overcoming both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) simultaneously, with both challenges informing each other. Pursuing an alcohol or drug-free life is already difficult, and having to navigate the challenges of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more creates a challenging healing journey. TMS can provide support in overcoming these challenges while improving emotional regulation and ensuring that there are always new treatment options to explore. 

Those living with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can also benefit from exploring the benefits of TMS therapy in Hawaii. The increased neuroplasticity can be instrumental in looking back on traumatic events with a new perspective and challenging self-destructive thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors that may have manifested from these profound events. While the use of TMS in overcoming symptoms of PTSD has shown positive results, it is not yet an FDA-approved approach for the practice and is thus considered off-label. 

Lastly, TMS therapy is also effective for helping treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. By using these magnetic pulses, TMS can help disrupt intrusive or invasive thoughts that may negatively impact daily life, providing agency to those living with OCD to better feel in control of their thoughts and behaviors. 

When TMS Therapy Is the Right Choice

While TMS is an effective approach for many different challenges, not everyone will necessarily respond to the treatment in the same way. However, knowing when it is time to consider TMS therapy and talking to a trained professional at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ can help each person determine when it may be the right choice to begin this form of treatment. 

How Do I Know if TMS Therapy Is Right for Me?

The best way to know if it is effective for each person is to explore the treatment with an open mind and continued commitment to their healing, working with trusted professionals about how it may benefit each person’s own journey. However, the signs that may indicate that the benefits of TMS therapy in Hawaii may be appropriate include:

• Living with treatment-resistant depression, or depression that has not responded to medication or antidepressants, and continue to affect daily quality of life 
• Having experienced negative side effects of antidepressants or OCD medication
• Those looking for non-invasive treatment options or non-medication options, especially following a negative reaction to antidepressants in the past
• OCD compulsions continue to disrupt daily life despite treatment efforts
• Feeling “stuck” in recovery, or emotionally detached, despite wanting to improve

These can all indicate that a new approach to healing may be appropriate, with TMS therapy being one option to help address these specific challenges. TMS is not typically the first treatment explored. Rather, it is only considered after other therapies have proven less successful, and after a person has tried other medications to address their symptoms. Insurance coverage will also not typically cover TMS therapy until other approaches are tried and a person receives an official diagnosis for treatment-resistant depression. 

Who Is Not a Candidate for TMS Therapy?

There are also situations when TMS therapy may not be appropriate for a person or their situation. Factors that may prohibit a person from benefiting from TMS include having metal implants in the head, having a pacemaker, or having a history of seizures or epileptic episodes. 

Likewise, TMS therapy does not provide immediate results or changes. Instead, it benefits from consistent, routine engagement. Those currently experiencing emotional distress or mania may not be able to benefit from TMS, and instead would benefit more from crisis intervention plans to stabilize before considering if TMS is an appropriate step. Likewise, those who cannot commit to multiple sessions a week or are unable to adjust daily schedules may not wholly benefit from TMS therapy.

Can I Incorporate TMS Into an Existing Treatment Plan?

Yes! Not only is it possible to incorporate TMS into an already existing treatment plan as an additional approach to change, but it is encouraged. TMS is best used in conjunction with other treatment modalities and is not a replacement for other forms of therapy or psychotherapy. Continuing to work with mental health professionals and clinicians in both residential and outpatient care is part of creating a unique and personalized collection of strategies specific to each person’s healing journey. 

The professionals at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ are ready to incorporate TMS into each person’s treatment program to ensure the most effective and personalized results in overcoming an array of challenges, from addiction and depression to building new coping strategies for a transformed daily life. 

Benefits of TMS Therapy

Understanding the goals and benefits of TMS therapy can also help set appropriate expectations for those introducing it to their treatment plan. These benefits include:

• A more positive or manageable mood within 2-3 weeks of treatment
• Improved cognitive function and clarity
• Improving healthy sleep habits and patterns
• Improved emotional regulation

TMS Can Help With Substance Addiction

Those living with addiction can also find unique benefits from TMS, helping to reduce cravings, improve impulse control when experiencing urges, and use the improved emotional regulation to support judgment and sober decision-making skills, despite stressful situations. The ability to prioritize sobriety and navigate these common challenges is a major benefit when pursuing a life of sobriety, helping maintain each person’s transformed lifestyle and motivation for long-term change. 

Using TMS to target the prefrontal cortex and improve mood regulation can also improve emotional resilience, helping each person maintain their hard-earned sobriety despite prevalent triggers and adding an effective relapse prevention strategy. 

Can TMS Therapy Help With Chronic Physical Pain?

TMS has also seen success in managing certain chronic pains that may impact daily life, such as treating persistent and intense migraines. However, those experiencing chronic pain as a neurological symptom can also benefit from targeting specific areas of the brain, helping to resituate brain pathways that may be sending pain signals. This is common after traumatic experiences. Talking to a professional about chronic pain, its connections to personal history or symptoms, and more can help each person determine the source of chronic pain and if TMS is an appropriate option for helping to treat these conditions. 

Common Concerns About TMS Therapy

It is common to have questions about any new treatment modality. Asking questions and talking to a professional is the best way to understand each different modality and commit wholly to its benefits, deconstructing barriers or doubts that may inhibit the effectiveness of each program. 

Is There a Downside to TMS?

The side effects of TMS are minimal. However, there may be other downsides to TMS depending on each person’s situation. First, like all therapies and modalities, each person will respond to it differently. While it may be effective for peers in similar situations, that does not guarantee that it will be just as effective for an individual themselves. 

Another barrier is the time commitment to engage in TMS therapy. While each session is short, each lasting about 40 minutes, to truly benefit from TMS, multiple sessions a week are necessary, typically five days a week for multiple weeks. This can be intrusive to already established daily schedules, and make adjusting schedules to accommodate TMS challenging in some situations. 

Lastly, insurance coverage can vary depending on each person’s insurance plan. Many insurance companies will also only cover TMS after other methods have been explored, and only in certain circumstances. When not covered by insurance, TMS can get expensive. Talking to professionals at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ about the process, financial expectations, and insurance coverage is necessary. 

What Are the Common Side Effects?

While the side effects of TMS are not severe, there are some potential situations that a person should be aware of. First, it is not uncommon to experience headaches during TMS, especially during the first few sessions. A tapping or tingling feeling along the scalp is also possible. However, both of these side effects typically subside as a person continues to engage with TMS. Mild fatigue and lightheadedness are also possible, but they also rectify quickly following the end of a session. During a session, loud clicking can also be heard, which can add to this discomfort when beginning the process. 

While less common, feelings of anxiety as a result of TMS are possible. If TMS seems to be leading to increased anxiety, it is important to talk to a medical professional about the strategy and its role in healing to ensure the best possible results. 

Moving Forward With TMS Therapy in Hawaii

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ proudly offers TMS to those who would benefit from this practice in their healing journey. Not only does Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ have professionals on staff to help explore this effective strategy, but it can be incorporated into each person’s already established treatment program. Our mental health wellness facility is staffed with trained professionals, with TMS therapy sessions led by licensed clinicians for effective treatment. 

TMS in Hawaii can also be uniquely effective, combining the benefits of TMS with the serene backdrop of the Hawaiian landscape and culture. The peaceful atmosphere of Hawaii can further relieve stress, improving focus on wholeness and wellness by helping manage stress, triggers, and other challenges in each person’s healing journey. It also provides a unique opportunity to blend TMS with both evidence-based treatment options and a unique array of holistic healing options, from nature-based treatment to spiritual healing opportunities only possible in Hawaii, for a truly unique and life-changing approach to change. 

FAQs

Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

TMS can be covered by insurance, but only in certain circumstances and after other options have been explored. Talking to professionals and each person’s insurance provider can provide more specific information on the coverage provided. 

Can TMS Cure My Depression?

There is no single “cure” for depression, but there are ways to treat it and its challenges. However, managing depression and its symptoms still takes hard work and commitment. While TMS has been effective in helping address treatment-resistant depression, it is not guaranteed to be effective for everyone. However, it does provide a new way of addressing depression in those who may have seen limited success in treating their depression with other methods. 

How Many TMS Sessions Are Typically Needed?

Effective use of TMS takes time. Multiple sessions a week, with programs lasting about four to six weeks, are common. However, a person can continue to benefit from TMS after this, even if attending less frequently, to continue managing symptoms and challenges while building other coping skills. 

Are There Any Lifestyle Changes or Preparations Needed Before Starting TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive approach to treating depression, and those engaging in TMS are largely empowered to continue living normal lives outside of these sessions. Continuing to adhere to commitments in healing, developing coping strategies, and more is necessary. Likewise, ensuring that a person is not engaging in self-destructive behaviors during this time is still important, such as substance use. 

Overcoming depression, addiction, or other mental health disorders is complicated, and it is a journey that takes time and hard work. Exclusive Hawaii Recovery recognizes that each healing journey is unique, and treatment tailored to the individual, rather than the symptoms or disease, is necessary. We work with you to create a personalized treatment program, empowering you to explore the healing options and opportunities pertinent to your goals in healing, from substance use treatment to depression treatment with options like TMS. From residential to outpatient care and trained professionals ready to address an array of needs in effective healing, we are ready to meet you where you are in your healing. Call us today at (808) 775-0200.