Empirical evidence has shown statistically significant results supporting the efficacy of TMS in treatment of depression and improving depressive symptoms. Additionally, following completion of a course of TMS, effects have been shown to persist through 12 months after treatment. 

Efficacy of TMS in treatment of depression.

In TMS treatment of depression, continual, rapid electromagnetic stimulation given to the brain can lead to increased neuron activity as well as increased blood flow to the targeted region. 

Mechanics of rapid, continual Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for depression

Potential Side Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:
- Discomfort at the site of stimulation on scalp.
- Constricting of muscles surrounding eyes during stimulation.
- Headaches accompanied by a tension sensation. 
- Rarely, seizures. 

Potential Side Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Adjustable Parameters and Aspects of TMS include:
- Location on the scalp of the coil used to deliver stimulation
- Motor Threshold (MT)
- Intensity, Frequency, and duration of stimulus pulses
- Number of pulses

Parameters of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive method of brain stimulation that relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed over the scalp which creates a magnetic field to induce a small electric current in a specific part of the brain.

University of Vermont

Treatments that are either no longer used or are used in a different way based on research. (ECT, TMS, rTMS, VNS)

Alternative Treatments for Mood Disorders

- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The Cycle of Depression & Other Treatments for Depression

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive treatment that repeatedly sends a high-intensity magnetic pulse into a particular brain area. In electroconvulsive therapy, the patient is anesthetized to control seizures and muscle relaxers to control the violent jerking, but during rTMS, there is no need for anesthesia, avoiding many complications. The treatment is showing promising results in relieving symptoms of mood disorders, specifically depression, and is preferred when other treatments have failed. 

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system and is linked to the brain's hypothalamus and amygdala areas, which have shown an association with mood disorders. With VNS, small electrodes are attached to the vagus nerve, which connects to an electronic device surgically placed in the left chest wall. Not enough studies have yet been done to distinctly understand why it relieves mood disorder symptoms, but it looks promising.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Mood Disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a biologically based treatment for severe mental disorders, particularly severe depression that has not responded to drug therapy. The procedure involves using an electrical current to induce seizures, which helps alleviate symptoms. While the exact mechanism of action is not understood, ECT has a high success rate, with about 85% of patients showing improvement. However, due to significant side effects like memory loss associated with repeated treatments, it is typically implemented as a last resort.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

- Mild electrical stimulation of brain sites
- Surgically implanted electrode
- Targets different brain regions
- Used to treat depression that did not benefit from other treatment options
- Recent studies call into question whether DBS is more effective than a placebo to reduce depression

Deep Brain Stimulation

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy centered on helping clients examine and change the relationship between their thoughts and their behaviors. The primary goal is to identify and modify cognitive distortions and self-defeating actions, thereby changing not only how individuals think but also how they act in response to various situations.

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