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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation—A Drug-Free Treatment for Depression

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation—A Drug-Free Treatment for Depression

Major depression is a debilitating brain-body illness that impairs function and is one of the highest causes of disability worldwide. When a person is in a state of depression, the brain’s normal neural network and circuits do not function in the normal way and the various domains of life are negatively affected (impaired concentration, sleep, appetite, energy, motivation, ability to experience joy, thinking patterns, etc.).

The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain behind the forehead—is where we think, reason, plan, strategize, prioritize, pay attention, and modulate mood. When people are depressed, the prefrontal cortex is underactive, so they find it hard to think clearly, focus, learn, and problem-solve, and they get overwhelmed with life easily.

The part of the brain just behind the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), is where we make choices and experience our sense of compassion and empathy. During depression, the ACC is also underactive, so people struggle to make decisions and to feel socially connected to others.

On the other hand, the amygdala, the part of the brain where we experience fear, anxiety, and alarm, is overactive during depression, so sufferers will often feel worried, dread, uneasiness, and anxiety even without specific threats or problems, or they will markedly exaggerate the level of real-world issues and, thus, worry and ruminate rather than problem-solve effectively.

It probably doesn’t surprise you that the most common treatment for depression is anti-depressant medication. However, while there are many people for whom medications have been lifesaving, it is also true that there are millions for whom medications are either ineffective or cause intolerable side effects. There are also those who just don’t want medication in their bodies.

Fortunately, there is an alternative, drug-free treatment for depression today called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

How it Works

TMS uses a strong electromagnet to activate the underactive brain circuits in order to move the brain back toward a non-depressed level of functioning.

During a TMS treatment, the electromagnet is placed against the scalp adjacent to the prefrontal cortex; then, pulses of magnetic energy move across the cranium into the brain. These pulses cause the neurons in the prefrontal cortex to fire (depolarize) and, because they are connected to neurons in the ACC, they, in turn, cause the neurons of the ACC to fire.

Then, when the ACC activates, it sends a calming signal to the amygdala. In other words, TMS treatments move the brain’s neural circuits back toward their non-depressed levels of functioning.

Various data have demonstrated that of the patients who have been unable to experience relief from depression through medications, 68 percent achieve remission of their depression symptoms through TMS treatment.

What to Expect

During a treatment, a patient will typically receive three thousand pulses over a 20- to 30-minute period. The patient is awake the entire time, and there are no IVs or medications. As soon as the treatment is over, the patient is free to leave and go about their routine business without any restrictions.

Most people will require 30 to 36 TMS treatments to get them out of a state of depression. Once they are out of depression, their wellness can often be maintained with a single treatment once a month.

For the first couple of sessions, the most common side effect is transient discomfort on the scalp where the magnetic energy crosses the cranium. Most people find this becomes easily tolerated within a few treatments.  

The only absolute contraindication to receiving this treatment is having magnetizable metal inside one’s head. However, if you have been cleared to get an MRI, you will most likely be cleared for TMS.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, now cover TMS treatments, but you will need to check with your particular carrier. Cash price varies depending on your region and provider but typically ranges from approximately $300 to $600 per treatment.

There are a variety of machines cleared by the FDA that physicians can use to provide this treatment. I prefer NeuroStar’s system to others. They have a strong scientific support team that helps providers find relevant and recent research. Their device also allows for more focused and nuanced treatment, and it is currently the only one cleared to treat depressive adolescents ages 15 and older. (Their device is also approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.) You can find a list of NeuroStar TMS providers at NeuroStar Providers.

Finally, TMS treatments can be administered by any doctor who has been trained to do the procedure. However, I recommend seeking a psychiatrist rather than a non-psychiatrist, as a psychiatrist will be able to better address other factors that are contributing to depression and can generally offer a more holistic approach to resolving the issue.

Depression is a debilitating brain-body illness that is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please seek professional help. If you have sought help and have determined that medications are not right for you, consider TMS as a possible solution. And if you are seeking holistic Christian residential treatment, consider Honey Lake Clinic.

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Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA