In lieu of a single cure for depression, a number of evidence-based options exist that can treat and manage depression symptoms. You must have come across options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) while searching for treatment options, and you may be wondering – are these treatments similar? Is one of them right for you?
In this blog, we will be examining both treatment options so you may be able to differentiate between the two.
What Are TMS and ECT?
ECT or Electroconvulsive Therapy, which is also sometimes referred to as electroshock therapy, uses electric current to cause a therapeutic seizure. These generalized seizures cause the brain to reset, which has proven to be effective for the treatment of major depression.
Electroshock therapy was first developed and used by doctors in 1930. Today, the use of ECT to treat certain mental illnesses such as depression is increasingly common, mainly because the method has improved significantly since it was first developed. ECT today is much safer, with weaker electric currents, and more controlled delivery techniques.
TMS
TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which is also sometimes known as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or rTMS, is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic coils to generate an electric current that stimulates the brain. The treatment causes neurological changes that can treat depression and other mental illnesses such as anxiety, OCD, autism, etc.
TMS was developed in the 1980s, and the FDA approved commercial use in 2009.
How Are The Treatments Administered?
ECT
For better control and maximum safety, ECT is most commonly administered in a hospital setting because the therapy causes therapeutic seizures, general anesthesia and muscle relaxants to minimize muscular and bone damage as well as to keep patients unconscious during the treatment. The electrodes are placed on particular positions on the head. Usually, an ECT course is 6 to 15 sessions long and sessions are spaced a day apart, which means ECT patients typically have to stay at the hospital during the first week of the course. An ECT course can cost around $25,000 with $2,500 per session and the cost of hospital stay.
TMS
TMS can be administered in an outpatient setting because patients are not given any muscle relaxant or general anesthesia. Therefore, TMS has zero downtime, and the patients remain alert and conscious throughout the session. In each session, doctors usually run a “motor threshold determination” that allows them to determine the right position at which the TMS device will be placed and the intensity of the magnetic pulses. A TMS course is typically 30 to 35 sessions long with five sessions per week. A TMS course costs around $1500, $500 per session.
What Are The Side Effects?
ECT
ECT patients often report having headaches and muscular soreness, as well as short-term memory loss after the treatment, which normally subside within a period of six to eight weeks.
TMS
TMS patients usually have little to no side effects. Patients have reported having scalp irritation and headaches, which usually subside within a week.
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