What to Know About TMS, Spravato® and Reducing Stigma

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, yet serious, mental health condition that can negatively impact multiple areas of your life. And while traditional medications and psychotherapy work for many people, this isn’t always the case. Some people struggle with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which may require alternative care.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and esketamine (Spravato®) are two innovative, evidence-based treatments that provide hope for people with this type of depression. As a provider that offers these services, Psychiatry Treatment Centers believes that education can help dispel some of the common misconceptions and stigma around mental health disorders and help you feel empowered to take control over your care.

Read on to learn more about depression and how TMS and Spravato® may help you.

Fast facts about treatment-resistant depression

If you’ve been diagnosed with MDD and antidepressants haven’t improved your symptoms or have caused adverse side effects, you may have what providers call treatment-resistant depression (TRD). To provide you with a better understanding, here are some facts about this condition:

TRD can develop even if your body has responded positively to antidepressants in the past.

The exact cause of TRD is unknown, but researchers believe that chronic stress, brain chemistry, genetics and other key factors may play a role.

The symptoms are the same as those of MDD, but they might be more severe, more frequent or last for longer periods.

Despite its name, a provider can help you manage this condition.

As much as the mental health landscape has improved over the years, some of the stigma around disorders and treatments still exists — and it can play a role in someone’s decision to seek the care they need. This may be due to the public’s perception of mental health or even some of the internalized negative beliefs that can cause feelings of shame or guilt.

It’s OK to seek professional help for the symptoms you’re experiencing. As difficult as it might feel when first-line depression treatments don’t work, just know that you’re not alone. You’re one of over 2 million adults in the U.S. diagnosed with this disorder, and alternative options are available.

Spravato® vs. Transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

Not everyone experiences depression the same way, which means that your treatment plan (and response to treatment) might be a little different than someone else’s. When it comes to TRD, your provider may recommend a multifaceted approach. This could include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and different antidepressants than you’ve tried before, or treatments like esketamine and TMS.

As you’re weighing different options, here are some things you should know about Spravato® and TMS therapy:

1. Spravato® and TMS work differently

Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray made with esketamine (a derivative of the drug ketamine). It works by targeting the brain’s glutamatergic system. The esketamine binds to the glutamate receptors in the brain. This helps increase the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which contributes to the brain’s neuroplasticity (ability to reorganize itself and form new neuronal connections).

TMS is a noninvasive approach that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain. TMS targets different areas that can contribute to emotional regulation and problem-solving. By affecting the neuronal networks in that area, TMS helps improve a person’s mood and cognitive functioning.

2. TMS and Spravato® can treat several conditions

TMS is designed to help people struggling with treatment-resistant depression, TRD with anxious features (anxious depression) and treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). On the other hand, esketamine can be used by adults with TRD, as well as treatment-resistant major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions (MDSI).

3. TMS and Spravato® can be combined with an antidepressant

Sometimes, combining complementary treatments can help someone with depression manage their symptoms better. Even if TMS or Spravato® is recommended as your primary form of depression treatment, it may still be safe to keep taking an oral antidepressant at the same time.

4. TMS and Spravato® aren’t replacements for therapy

Your provider may recommend that you continue seeing your therapist as part of your treatment. Psychotherapy can help you set personalized mental health goals, navigate emotional challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms — all of which complement other treatment options like TMS and Spravato®.

5. Insurance may cover TMS or Spravato®

Several major insurance plans cover TMS therapy. Also, Spravato® may be covered under your medical, pharmacy or mental health insurance benefits. Keep in mind that coverage rates vary by plan and you could be responsible for out-of-pocket costs associated with these options. It’s recommended that patients confirm what their insurance plan entails prior to treatment.

Receive compassionate mental health care at Psychiatry Treatment Centers

Find out if Spravato® or TMS therapy may be right for you. At Psychiatry Treatment Centers our mission is to improve access to quality mental health care and positively impact the health and wellness of the communities we serve in California and Georgia. Our providers take great care to help you understand your condition and create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Reach out to our team by phone for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book a consultation online for depression treatment.