Treating Depression with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

“Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a new treatment that, using magnetic energy:

• improves brain connectivity and plasticity;
• reduces the symptoms of various psychiatric and neurological disorders.

It is based on electromagnetic induction and is safe and effective. The procedure is carried out using a coil that generates a magnetic field, which penetrates through the skull and induces stimulation in the nervous tissue, modulating neuronal activity. In patients with depression, the stimulation is targeted towards a specific area of the brain, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is associated with mood regulation,” notes Professor Pallanti.

To demonstrate its effectiveness, in 2008 TMS received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depression that does not respond to traditional treatments.

“TMS treats depression by increasing or decreasing conduction between the various centers that regulate mood. This is possible because today we are able to understand the complex connectivity network, which forms the basis of our emotions. The mysteries of this network, with its different centers of varying importance, are progressively being clarified, also thanks to these treatments.

Specifically, in people with treatment-resistant depression, the magnetic stimulation acts on neurotransmitters and inflammation. When repeated over time, TMS alters the brain’s functional architecture, bringing it back from a pathological state to normalcy.

After just a few weeks of treatment, many patients begin to notice improvements in depressive symptoms, leading to better quality of life and daily functioning,” says Pallanti.

TMS can be combined with traditional treatments, particularly:

• with psychotherapy;
• with pharmacological treatments, especially in resistant cases, for which it is particularly recommended.

The professor adds: “Among the main advantages of TMS are:

• Its effectiveness when medications are no longer able to treat depression or for patients who cannot tolerate them;
• Its use in cases where medications cannot be taken, such as for pregnant women, postpartum, and people with diabetes.”

TMS enhances the effect of medication and allows for a reduction in dosage or, in some cases, even discontinuation. Additionally, TMS:

• Is non-invasive: the patient feels only a mild sensation on the skin. Moreover, we are developing protocols for psychological exercises that allow the patient, under certain conditions, to actively participate during sessions with mental exercises;
• The sessions are short, lasting between 20 to 30 minutes, and are performed in an outpatient setting. This allows patients to return to their normal activities immediately after the session.”