May 5, 202611 min read
Types of Family Therapy Explained
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
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Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Jake
Clinical Editorial Team
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a clinically-approved treatment for Major Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and other mental health conditions. This noninvasive treatment uses an electromagnetic coil to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Many patients experience symptom relief, but some encounter a temporary worsening of depression symptoms known as the TMS Dip.
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
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TMS therapy is an effective treatment that uses magnetic waves to target nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex. The treatment protocol consists of daily treatment sessions over several weeks of treatment. This method is often recommended for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have not responded to standard treatments, such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy.
A TMS Dip refers to a temporary period of worsening of symptoms, such as increased depressive symptoms, heightened anxiety, or disruptions in sleep patterns, before an eventual improvement.
The TMS Dip occurs because brain stimulation therapies trigger changes in neural pathways and brain activity. As the magnetic coil delivers electrical activity to underactive brain cells, the communication pathways between nerve cells adapt. This adjustment phase can lead to a temporary increase in symptoms before the brain establishes new activity patterns that promote control of symptoms.
Patients may experience:
A TMS Dip typically appears within the week of treatment and can last a few days. It is most commonly reported between the 3rd and 4th treatment session but can occur at different stages of treatment based on individual experiences.
Not all patients experience a TMS Dip, but it is a recognized part of the treatment process. Studies, including those in Psychiatry Research, suggest that while temporary exacerbation of symptoms occurs, most individuals experience symptom relief by the end of their treatment protocol.
Patients can manage worsening of depression symptoms by incorporating Self-Care Practices and maintaining communication with their healthcare provider.
While TMS therapy is a cutting-edge brain stimulation treatment, some individuals may experience common side effects, including:
These side effects are usually temporary and subside as the brain adapts to the treatment protocol.
Despite temporary setbacks, continuing daily treatment is essential for long-term success. Stopping treatment early due to a TMS Dip may lead to treatment failure or prevent patients from achieving adequate benefit.
Patients with treatment-resistant depression, affective disorder, psychiatric conditions, or those who have experienced depression-related disorders that do not respond to traditional treatments are good candidates for TMS therapy.
Treatment
Effectiveness
Side Effects
Invasiveness
TMS Therapy
High for
treatment-resistant depression
Temporary side effects
(e.g.,
scalp discomfort
)
Noninvasive
Antidepressant Medications
Varies per individual
Sexual dysfunction
,
weight gain
Oral medication
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Very high
Cognitive effects
,
memory loss
Invasive
Psychotherapy
Moderate to high
None
Noninvasive
Studies, including a systematic review and meta-analysis, show that TMS therapy leads to remission of symptoms in about 30% of people with depression and significant symptom relief in 50-60% of patients.
A TMS Dip is a transient phase that can cause temporary exacerbation of depressive symptoms. However, this is a normal part of the adjustment period. Patients should focus on Self-Care Practices, stay in touch with their treatment team, and trust the stimulation for depression process. By maintaining consistent treatment, individuals can experience the full benefits of this advised treatment option and achieve lasting improvements in mental health treatment.
1\. What causes a TMS Dip, and why does it happen?
A TMS Dip occurs due to changes in brain activity as magnetic stimulation influences the prefrontal cortex and neural pathways. During the adjustment phase, some patients experience a temporary exacerbation of depressive symptoms, including increased anxiety symptoms, disruptions in sleep patterns, and a feeling that their depression is worse. This is part of the treatment process as the brain adapts to electromagnetic coil stimulation and adjusts its communication pathways.
2\. How long does the TMS Dip last?
The TMS Dip typically occurs within the week of treatment and may last from a few days up to a week. However, this varies based on individual experiences. Most patients report improvement as they continue their treatment sessions, and the temporary period of worsening of symptoms subsides as the treatment for depression progresses.
3\. What can I do to manage TMS Dip symptoms?
Managing a TMS Dip involves Self-Care Practices, such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, and engaging in wellness practices like meditation or deep breathing. Patients should also maintain open communication with their healthcare provider and avoid skipping daily treatment sessions. Sticking to the treatment protocol ensures that the brain continues adapting to the stimulation for depression, reducing the impact of the temporary setbacks.
4\. Should I stop TMS therapy if I experience a TMS Dip?
No, stopping TMS therapy prematurely can lead to treatment failure and prevent patients from achieving remission of symptoms. The temporary side effects associated with the TMS Dip are a normal part of the treatment journey, and most individuals experience symptom relief once they complete their treatment protocol. If symptoms become overwhelming, speaking with a mental health provider can help adjust the approach while ensuring consistent treatment.
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