Depression or obsessive compulsive disorder?

More information about rTMS:

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is an effective non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic stimulation to stimulate areas of the brain that regulate mood. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who have not responded to antidepressants experience significant improvement in their depressive symptoms with rTMS treatment. One in three makes a full recovery.
During rTMS treatment, the brain is stimulated magnetically. It is a treatment in which depressive symptoms are greatly reduced or disappeared without the use of medication. Much controlled scientific research has been conducted into rTMS. It turns out that about 70% of people undergoing treatment respond positively to depression and about 60% respond to compulsive complaints. The Dutch Health Council and the American FDA have concluded that rTMS is a safe treatment method with almost no side effects.

Who is rTMS suitable for?
The treatment is suitable for people suffering from mild to severe depression, for people with dysthymic disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal depression (winter depression, spring depression, summer depression and autumn depression) or obsessive compulsive disorder (mental contamination OCD, compulsive brushing, checking, counting, compulsive thoughts).
The treatment does not work well in people with psychotic depression (delusions or hallucinations). Also for people who have undergone brain surgery, with severe cardiac arrhythmia’s, epilepsy and for people with a cochlear implant or pacemaker, rTMS is not a suitable treatment.
To determine whether rTMS is a suitable treatment, we always first make a brain scan (EEG) in which we measure the electrical activity of the brain.  (Due to the corona epidemic, this is not possible due to a quarantine obligation for Bram Wernsen). With this we can rule out whether there is any brain activity that is dangerous to stimulate with rTMS. This in connection with the possible risk of an epileptic seizure. The chance of this is very small, but must be ruled out.

What is rTMS?
rTMS stands for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (magnetic brain stimulation). With the treatment, communication between different parts of the brain, which is related to the depressive and OCD symptoms, is improved.

rTMS and depression
Depression is caused by a combination of different factors. These factors influence each other, making it often difficult to get out of depression. Research has shown that depression is caused by a disturbance in the balance of certain substances in the brain. Other research indicates that a disturbed pattern of brain activity (communication between brain areas) can cause depression. When the area that provides this communication is stimulated repeatedly, communication will improve and the symptoms of depression will diminish. When the complaints do return (in about 30% of the people), a few refreshment sessions are necessary to achieve the desired antidepressant effect again. Treatment with rTMS does not affect a person’s behavior or character.
The advantage of treatment with rTMS is that little or no side effects occur. Where drugs end up throughout the body, rTMS only treats where necessary. The only possible side effect could be a mild headache. This can easily be remedied with paracetamol, for example.
Another advantage of rTMS treatment is that after 20 to 30 sessions a long-lasting effect is noticeable. In most people, the first effects are already noticeable within a month (8 to 12 sessions and sometimes even earlier).

Talk therapy
It is wise to supplement the rTMS treatment with talk therapy, given by Ilaria Carulli. It also deals with psychological (negative thoughts, feelings of guilt) and social factors (how to deal with stressful events). Talk therapy is also important to avoid relapse into depression. The rTMS treatment reduces the symptoms of depression, making the talk therapy more effective.

How does brain stimulation work in practice?
RTMS International only employs therapists who have undergone special training to be able to give rTMS treatment. When you receive treatment, the therapist first determines where and with what intensity you need the treatment. You lie on a comfortable (massage) chair and then a coil is placed on your head. The specific parts of the brain associated with the depression are activated by a pulsating magnetic field generated by the coil. This feels like someone is tapping your head with a pencil (or little hammer). Sometimes that can temporarily cause some mild headaches. This is the only side effect of rTMS treatment.

Here’s a video explaining even more how rTMS works. (Source: Tennessee TMS Center)

If you have further questions regarding this information, you can always email us at info@rtms-international.com. We will answer you as soon as possible.