Battling depression or OCD?
Recovery is possible
At rTMS International, we offer an innovative, medication-free treatment designed to alleviate depressive symptoms or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in combination with depression. Our approach combines repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with cognitive behavioral therapy. This method is effective and helps you get your life back on track without the side effects of traditional medication.
Benefits
Scientifically proven alternative
Until recently, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy were the primary treatments for depression. Since May 2024, rTMS has been included in the multidisciplinary Depression guideline as a recommended treatment. It is considered a valuable treatment option as a third choice alongside psychotherapy and medication.
Adressing the core issue
When choosing between rTMS and medication, various factors come into play, such as your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and personal preferences. Unlike medication, rTMS directly targets the brain. It leads to neurological changes that effectively influence depressive symptoms. This doesn’t mean that depression is permanently gone or cured, but it does mean that, in case of relapse, we often achieve good results with an rTMS boost or maintenance session.
While the treatment may be time consuming, it has minimal side effects. Most side effects, primarily scalp pain during stimulation and headaches, are well-tolerated and can be treated with painkillers. rTMS can be an effective treatment for depression or OCD without the unpleasant side effects that medication may bring.
Help is just a step away
With 7 centers spread across the Netherlands, you can access our services almost anywhere. It’s possible to undergo both rTMS and cognitive behavioral therapy, tailored to your specific needs and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. When rTMS is effective, it leads to a reduction in depressive symptoms, allowing talk therapy to have a better chance of success.
On the other hand, during talk therapy, attention is given to the psychological and social factors underlying the development of depression. The combination of these therapies can contribute to long-term improvement and enhance the quality of life.
More about your treatment
How does rTMS work?
An rTMS treatment improves disrupted communication between brain regions, leading to a reduction in symptoms. During the treatment, a coil is placed at an angle on the head. The coil is connected to a device that converts electrical current into magnetic pulses. These pulses pass through the skull and stimulate a specific area in the brain, influencing a network within it. The stimulation activates or reduces certain brain activity.
Who qualifies for rTMS treatment?
rTMS is suitable for individuals with treatment-resistant depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The treatment is not suitable for individuals with psychotic depression, those who have undergone brain surgery, people with severe heart rhythm disorders, epilepsy, or those with a cochlear implant or pacemaker. In cases of epilepsy in the immediate family, an EEG scan from an external provider (hospital or neurologist) must be submitted to exclude this.
Are you a psychologist, psychiatrist, or healthcare institution interested in offering rTMS?
We can assist you in launching rTMS in your practice or institution. With 10 years of experience and 7 centers across the Netherlands, we know exactly what’s needed to get you started. Simply email us at info@rtms-international.com, and we’ll be glad to reach out to you.
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