Depressive disorders can be treated with a combined treatment of psychotherapy with magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS). Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a well researched and scientifically proven treatment method with minimal side effects. neuroCare offers an effective treatment in which the combined treatment of rTMS and psychotherapy reports a clinically significant improvement in 66% of clients with therapy-resistant depression (Donse et al. 2017).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCS) can be treated by combining psychotherapy with magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS). The treatment can be given in addition to or instead of medication. rTMS is a proven effective method of treatment for depression with little or no side effects, which has also been shown to be suitable for clients with therapy-resistant OCS. In 55% of the clients, the combination treatment we use significantly improves the symptoms. (Donse et all, 2016, Research Institute Brainclinics / neuroCare Group)
The first improvements are usually visible after 10 to 15 sessions.
On average, after 25 to 35 sessions (at least 2 sessions per week), long-term positive results are achieved.
The advantage of rTMS is that there are few or no side effects to the treatment. It is possible to phase out medication under the supervision of a treating physician.
(repetitive) Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as ‘TMS’ or ‘rTMS’, is a non-invasive and medication-free treatment method for depression or coercive disorders (OCS). A magnetic coil is placed on the head, which then stimulates specific areas of the brain involved in depression and/or coercion (OCS).
The treatment is considered a safe and effective therapy. Where electroconvulsive therapy (or ECT) therapy can cause, among other things, memory loss or other side effects, rTMS is a mild and more targeted form of stimulation that works locally effectively. A side effect of rTMS that sometimes occurs is mild headache caused by the contraction of muscles around the neck, neck and head, which disappears by itself after a short period of time.
Clients receiving this therapy come to the clinic 2-5 times a week for treatment in a relatively short period of time.
After about 10-20 treatment sessions, the first positive effects are noticeable. In combination with psychotherapy this effect can be strengthened and stabilized.
The effects of the application of rTMS in depression and OCD are regularly investigated through scientific research. Click here to read a comprehensive list of scientific publications on our global website.
rTMS is performed by your practitioner while you are sitting in a comfortable treatment chair. During the treatment, a magnetic coil is placed on the head. The coil generates a pulsating magnetic field that stimulates the target areas in the brain. The magnetic field generates a noticeable ticking sound. In general, magnetic stimulation is not experienced as painful.
– Clients with depression;
– Clients with ‘treatment-resistant’ depression;
– Clients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCS);
– Clients with a depression or compulsive disorder/OCS who want to reduce or stop their medication use.
If you have symptoms of depression or OCD, you may be eligible for rTMS treatment. In some cases rTMS is not possible, namely if you have a cochlear implant. The intake determines whether you are eligible for rTMS.