Anxiety & Depression · Texas behavioral health news
How San Antonio clinics use magnetic fields to treat depression - San Antonio Report
Anxiety & Depression (Google News) · September 17, 2025
In plain language
Clinics in San Antonio are increasingly offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for patients whose depression has not improved with therapy or medication. This noninvasive treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas that are often underactive in people with depression. While TMS is generally well-tolerated and avoids the side effects of traditional antidepressants, it can be expensive and time-consuming. Doctors are currently working to standardize the treatment and explore its potential benefits for other conditions like PTSD and migraines.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive brain networks involved in mood and attention.
- The FDA has approved TMS for major depression, migraine headaches, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and smoking cessation.
- Common side effects include minor headaches and scalp discomfort, which are often better tolerated than the side effects of medications.
- Standard treatment is time-intensive, requiring 20-minute sessions five days a week for up to nine weeks.
- Approximately 60% to 70% of patients see a reduction in symptoms, though about half may experience a return of symptoms after six months.
- High out-of-pocket costs and varying insurance coverage remain significant barriers to accessing TMS treatment.
How San Antonio clinics use magnetic fields to treat depression San Antonio Report
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