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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Rhode Island
By Dr. Denise Fleurant, PsyD, MFT
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment for mild, moderate, and severe depression offered at TMS of Rhode Island, a subsidiary of Newport Psychological Services. TMS is particularly helpful for people who have not experienced significant relief from anti-depressant medication or have had difficulty with side effects. TMS involves the use of very short pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This procedure is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
During a TMS treatment, a clinician gently places a magnetic coil
against one side of the patient's scalp. The magnetic fields penetrate beneath the coil to produce electrical currents. These currents activate cells within the brain that are thought to release neurotransmitters, which play a role in mood regulation. Since depression can be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, TMS helps restore balance and relieve the symptoms of depression. By stimulating the prefrontal cortex, TMS not only improves mood, but cognitive function as well. Nearly all patients who receive TMS therapy report improved memory, concentration, and overall clarity of thinking.
The Advantage of TMS
TMS requires no sedation and patients are awake and alert during the procedure. No medications are administered, and there are no cognitive after-effects. After treatment patients can return immediately to regular activity. The most common side effects associated with TMS therapy are scalp discomfort at the site of the application.
Treatment
Patients typically receive 20 to 30 treatments over four to six weeks, five times per week. The treatments last approximately one hour. The course of treatment varies according to each individual. The treating psychiatrist meets with the patient during the first session to find the exact placement that the coil will be placed on the head. After the initial visit, the coil will be placed in the same spot for each treatment. The patient sits in a comfortable reclining chair and has the option of watching television during the treatment.
Are There Risks with TMS?
More than 10,000 treatments were safely performed during clinical trials. Patients reported no side effects like those associated with anti-depressant medication (weight gain, dry mouth, drowsiness, etc), no seizures and no cognitive side effects. Scalp discomfort during the treatment is the most common side effect.
Consultation
To learn more about TMS, or to determine if you would be a good candidate for this treatment, please call to schedule a consultation today!
Dr. Denise Fleurant, PsyD, MFT
Dr. Denise A. Fleurant, PsyD, MFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working as a private practitioner in the Newport area. Dr. Fleurant holds an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from American Behavioral Studies Institute in California and a Post-Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Fleurant is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is a certified diplomate of Psychotherapy of the American Psychotherapy Association and Certified Relationship Specialist. Dr. Fleurant is an affiliate member of the Midwest Center for Anxiety and Depression and continually receives advanced training in integretice medicine.
Newport Psychological Services Counseling and Assessment Center has two locations:227 West Main Road in Middletown, RI 02842, and The Polo Center, 680 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown RI 02842. The office is handicapped accessible. Regular office hours are accommodated with evening and weekend appointments as needed.
Please call (401) 864-1493 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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Comment #1
(Posted by Jeffrey leech)
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Helped my depression add and anxiety without side effects
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