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Addressing Concerns and Debunking Myths of TMS Therapy

Myths of TMS Therapy

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a cutting-edge therapy making waves in the world of mental health. As more and more people seek treatments for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, TMS therapy is becoming npp steroids a promising alternative.

However, despite its growing success, TMS treatment for depression is still shrouded in misconceptions and confusion. In this blog, we’ll shed light on some of the most persistent myths and concerns surrounding TMS, so you can decide whether this innovative treatment is right for you.

Myth #1: TMS is uncomfortable & painful for depression treatment

One of the biggest myths around TMS is that it’s a painful and uncomfortable experience. In actuality, it’s a non-invasive treatment and is well-received by patients. The treatment involves the transmission of magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells.

These pulses are short and repetitive, and many patients describe the sensation as a tapping or tapping-like feeling on their scalp. While some may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, pain is typically minimal.

Myth #2: TMS treatment for depression is untested and unproven

Another misconception about TMS therapy is that it’s an untried and unproven treatment. Contrary to popular belief, it has undergone extensive testing and research in clinical trials, with its effectiveness being proven through numerous studies that have undergone peer review.

In fact, the therapy has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of depression, and it’s been widely utilized all across the globe for a decade now. Though research continues for improved data, the evidence overwhelmingly supports using the treatment as a safe and effective solution for mental health conditions.

Myth #3: TMS therapy is a Long Commitment

Some may believe that TMS treatments are a long commitment where the cons outweigh the pros. It is true that a typical course of TMS is 36 treatments, spread out over a period of 6-7 weeks.

However, TMS treatments are typically under 20 minutes and do not impair any ability to drive or cause any disorientation. Treatments can be slotted into your day and quickly taken care of. For many suffering Major Depressive Disorder, 20 minutes a day for 36 days is nothing compared to the years of suffering they are trying to treat.

Myth #4: TMS is Costly

A common assumption about TMS therapy is that it’s extremely expensive. The cost of TMS treatment for depression can fluctuate depending on the patient’s insurance plan. Most major insurance companies cover a portion of TMS treatment, with some even covering up to 100%. Furthermore, some TMS centers offer financing options to help make the therapy more accessible and affordable.

It’s important to note that many times a benefits investigation is done prior to any treatment so the patient is never surprised when it comes to financial matters related to TMS.  The benefits investigation is carried out with utmost care, taking into consideration all variables that could impact the patient’s treatment plan, such as insurance coverage, out-of-pocket payment plans, and third-party financing. Once the investigation is completed, the results are compiled and analyzed to provide the patient with a comprehensive report detailing their insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Why Choose SNBCare?

For over a decade, we have been delivering quality mental health care in New England, guided by our mission, vision, and values. Our outpatient clinics in Massachusetts and Rhode Island strive to deliver comprehensive care through a variety of treatment options.

In addition to having offices in multiple states, SNBCare works to accommodate patients to make mental health treatment as accessible as possible. Prior to TMS treatment, patients can always have a free consultation to answer any of their questions. To learn more about this effective alternative depression treatment, schedule a free consultation with a TMS Coordinator today.

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Categories Uncategorized

Tell-Tale Signs to Request a Psychiatric Evaluation

Psychiatric Evaluation

When it’s time for your physical checkup, a primary clinician assesses your physical well-being in-depth. The evaluation consists of testing one’s reflexes and checking blood pressure, sugar level, and heartbeat. Psychiatric evaluation is no different.

A professional psychologist is responsible for analyzing one’s overall mental or psychological health. During a psychiatric assessment, the therapist might ask questions about the symptoms one’s feeling and the experiences one might’ve had in the past.

By doing so, it becomes feasible for the psychologist to develop custom-tailored treatment plans to help patients struggling with mental health issues and provide them with the proper diagnosis. But when does a psychological evaluation becomes necessary? In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common warning signs that warrant psychiatric assessment.

  • Physical Symptoms

There’s a common misconception that physical and mental health aren’t linked. However, there’s no truth to this statement. Instead, both physical and mental health are two sides of the same coin. In simpler terms, physical health heavily depends on mental health and vice versa.

Since mental and physical health is closely linked, it’s only normal to experience physical symptoms, such as headache, pain, fatigue, and stomachache, that can lead to worsened mental well-being.

  • Suicidal Thoughts

Suppose you or someone you know is having suicidal contemplations or thinking about ending your life. In that case, it’s probably best to consult a professional psychologist and conduct a psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible.

Having such thoughts commonly results from stress and anxiety. However, more often than not, suicidal ideation stems from depression symptoms. Hence it’s crucial to seek psychiatric assessment and get help regarding depression treatment.

  • Cognitive Impairment

Keeping mental health in check is essential as it has the potential to affect all aspects of our lives. If not taken care of, untreated mental illnesses can negatively affect our brain’s cognitive functions, resulting in a lack of ability to properly process information, images, and events.

Along with the inability to focus, one might struggle with remembering and recalling information due to anxiety, stress, and depression. However, a well-versed provider can play a critical role in depression treatment and psychiatric evaluation.

  • Struggling with Everyday Tasks

A major sign that guarantees a psychological evaluation is the struggle to focus and concentrate on carrying out daily routine tasks effectively and efficiently. For instance, getting out of bed is difficult, taking a shower seems challenging, and getting dressed appears to be a burden.

  • Additional Mental Health Symptoms

It’s no secret that mental health evolves with the passage of time. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a mental illness, you’re more likely to experience symptoms of new mental disorders.

In such a case, getting a psychological assessment is highly suggested. With mental health constantly evolving, your mental health analysis must also stay current and up to date.

SNBCare | Improving Lives Together

We started our outpatient clinic in Massachusetts and led the movement to serve a comprehensive continuum of care. Our staff consists of trained experts with vast clinical experience who are dedicated to helping you find the best treatment plan for your needs.

Our providers and staff will work with you and your family to find a plan you are comfortable with and start you on your path to improved emotional and mental well-being.

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Categories Uncategorized

Why are Psychiatric Evaluations Necessary?

Psychiatric Evaluation

When it comes to treating depression and mental health issues alike, psychiatric evaluation often emerges as the first line of defense in treating psychological illnesses. Furthermore, a psychiatric assessment is an effective tool to identify the disorder and help clients get the treatment that perfectly fits their mental state. In this blog, we’ll see how psychiatric evaluations are crucial for better mental health and must be conducted to relieve people of their worsening health.

Advantages of Psychiatric Assessment

Commonly referred to as psychological screening, having a psychiatric assessment plays a critical role in improving and maintaining mental health problems. In simpler terms, it’s essential to detect an illness as soon as possible and take corrective measures when and where required. Mental health issues are no exception either. Therefore, it’s vital for anyone struggling with psychological problems to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

  • Depression Treatment

Most of the time, when someone is perplexed regarding if they should give psychological assessment a try or not, the answer is YES. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in people of all ages, from teenagers to the elderly; almost everyone is diagnosed with depression at least once in their life.

In addition, stress and anxiety are the leading factors that cause depression. Simply put, it’s crucial to treat depression as quickly as possible because untreated depression negatively impacts all aspects of life. That being said, psychiatric assessment can be exceptionally beneficial for depression treatment.

  • Helps with Cognitive Function

One of the topmost benefits of having a mental health assessment is that one can get a snapshot of their overall cognitive function. This allows the client and the clinician to analyze whether the brain is functioning to its full potential.

A psychological evaluation becomes necessary when a brain fails to process information, images, emotions, and events healthily. Moreover, a fruitful psychological assessment enables the patient to catch sight of any potential threat that might harm the brain’s cognitive function.

When Does a Psychiatric Evaluation Become Necessary?

By detecting the early signs of mental illnesses, one can seek out the help of a professional psychiatrist to minimize, if not wholly eliminate, the symptoms of psychological diseases. Here’s a brief list of symptoms that warrants a psychiatric evaluation.

  • Lack of enthusiasm for interacting with friends and family
  • Struggling to concentrate and focus on specific tasks
  • Change in appetite
  • Disturbed sleep pattern
  • Anxiety, stress, or paranoia

If you or someone you know is experiencing the above-mentioned symptom(s), it’s highly suggested to consult an expert psychologist right away.

Why Choose SNBCare?

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation entails obtaining a thorough history to help understand the underlying cause of your symptoms. This includes discussing the past history of any physical or mental health issues, past treatment, developmental and family history, and gaining an in-depth understanding of current concerns and level of functioning.

When warranted, additional information may be requested from other sources, and at times, referral to outside medical providers may be made for further evaluation. By utilizing all this information, our clinicians, who have been providing mental health care in New England for over a decade, can determine the best treatment plan to help you most effectively.

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Categories tms

Caring for Someone with Depression: Tips for Depression Treatment

Depression Treatment

You know how severe depression can be if a friend or loved one suffers from it. It can be pretty difficult to talk openly to someone about their feelings. But you know how crucial it is to get them the depression treatment they need to live happier lives.

Being a caregiver for someone suffering from depression takes empathy and patience. You must listen to your loved ones and support them in their quest for remission.

It is important to be understanding and compassionate but also to be persistent when it comes to helping someone with depression.

How to Know If Someone Needs Depression Treatment?

Most of the time, it gets pretty difficult to detect how someone feels or what is going through their heads. Although everyone is unique, these are the main symptoms of depression that might come in handy in identifying what someone is going through.

●       Depressed Mood: Extreme sadness that can last for several days or even weeks.

●       Absence of interest: They are no longer interested in the things they love and adore.

●       Low Energy: Long-lasting and unusual bouts of fatigue.

●       Lack of Concentration: Unable to concentrate or make decisions.

●       Low self-esteem: Clouded judgment and lack of confidence.

●       Guilty and Unworthiness: This can include talking about being ineffective or self-deprecating.

●       Inconsistent Sleeping Schedule: Includes irregular sleeping patterns, oversleeping, or insomnia.

●       Eating habits, weight loss/gain, and changes in eating habits: This can include overeating or a loss of appetite.

●       Self-Harm Ideas: Includes physical abuse purposely done to own body.

These symptoms can be identified in a friend or someone you love suffering from depression. Once detected, you should help them get the proper treatment for their mental and emotional well-being.

Because depression still carries a heavy stigma, it is important to reach out to loved ones suffering from depression and help them seek treatment. Telling someone to “feel better” and “get over it” will not help them. Instead, it is going to have the opposite effect. It must be borne in mind that depression is a severe disorder. Therefore, professional depression treatment is the only way forward out of this ailment.

What Depression Treatments Are Available?

Antidepressant medication can be very effective for some people but is not suitable for everyone and may cause unwanted side effects, further deteriorating their health.

However, patients who don’t benefit from antidepressants have the opportunity to try non-drug, non-invasive treatments such as NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy. TMS therapy works by using a magnetic coil placed on your head during your session. Electromagnetic pulses cause you to feel a tapping sensation where the coil is placed, despite nothing actually moving against your scalp. The magnetic energy emitting from the coil targets a specific area of your brain that helps regulate mood.

How Can SNBCare Help with Depression Treatment?

NeuroStar TMS, offered by SNBCare, is an alternative depression treatment for patients. It is available to patients who are not satisfied with the results and risks of medication and are seeking remission from depression. If you or someone you know fits this description, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free TMS consultation at SNBCare. 

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