Montanans find relief from depression with TMS therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a promising non-invasive treatment for depression, utilizing targeted magnetic pulses to activate brain regions linked to mood regulation. In Bozeman, Liz Orman, who has battled depression for a decade, shares her experience with TMS after facing limited success with various antidepressants. TMS was introduced to her at Psychiatry Associates after she had tried four different medications.

During the TMS procedure, patients remain awake as a machine emits focused magnetic pulses to specific brain areas. Dr. Jami Eschler, a psychiatrist at Psychiatry Associates, emphasizes the scientific basis of TMS, stating it demonstrates real brain connectivity improvements. This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals resistant to traditional medications, like Orman, who reported a 70% improvement in her depression and anxiety symptoms after treatment.

Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reveal that over 163,000 adults in Montana suffer from mental health conditions, highlighting the growing need for effective treatments. Unfortunately, nearly 600,000 residents live in areas lacking sufficient mental health professionals, making access to therapies like TMS a challenge despite their increasing availability in cities like Bozeman and Billings.

To explain TMS further, Dr. Ana Stan, also a psychiatrist at Psychiatry Associates, describes how the TMS coil interacts with the frontal cortex, generating electrical fields that enhance communication between regions responsible for mood regulation. This reconnection can be observed in brain scans, with Orman displaying her results that contrast an inactive brain with a healthy one.

Orman emphasizes the compassionate care she received from providers at Psychiatry Associates, encouraging others to seek help for their mental health struggles. TMS represents a significant advancement in treating depression, and many Montanans are beginning to access this innovative therapy, signaling a positive shift in mental health care in the region.