Evolve Psychiatry

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TMS Treatment and the Brain Limbic System

The optimal treatment

TMS is an innovative therapy for treatment-resistant depression. It is a non-intrusive and non-drug alternative treatment. A patient can have an outpatient procedure in a psychiatrist's office. The treatment session involves using a machine capable of delivering magnetic pulses to the brain. This pulse transmission is possible by placing a magnetic coil on specific areas of the scalp to target the prefrontal cortex. Treating depression involves delivering electromagnetic pulses to the left prefrontal cortex.

This area is near the brain's surface. It connects to the limbic system, which regulates one's mood. Using a magnetic coil can stimulate this area for weeks, which will activate the nerve cells there. The neurons can then go back to sending electrochemical signals. As a result, normal brain function will return, and the patient's depression symptoms will improve.

What the limbic system is

The limbic system is a web of structures deep inside the brain. It is responsible for emotional and behavioral reactions. The amygdala aids in coordinating responses to the environment, especially those that trigger emotional reactions, such as anger and fear. The hypothalamus also regulates body temperature, sexual responses, and hormone production.

The hippocampus can help retrieve and preserve memories. It can also play a role in helping the individual understand spatial dimensions. The limbic cortex contains the parahippocampal and cingulate gyrus. These parts affect judgment, mood, and motivation.

TMS targets areas of fear

Fear is an important emotion for survival. It helps an individual respond to anything harmful—the stimulation of the amygdala and then the hypothalamus results in this emotion. Unfortunately, people with brain damage tend to react to dangerous situations incorrectly. TMS can help treat panic and anxiety by targeting the amygdala and hypothalamus. The fight-or-flight response can then happen the right way.

TMS targets areas of happiness

This feeling comes from the limbic cortex and the precuneus. TMS can stimulate these areas to help treat depression. It can help bring back the patient's memories to deal with depression. This therapy can also help the individual focus on what is happening and maintain the concept of self.

TMS targets areas of anger

Aggression and anger can be dangerous emotions if a person has no control over them. The individual could end up hurting other people. TMS can target the prefrontal cortex to balance out this emotion. Anger is a good thing. It can help with specific situations for survival and proper interactions.


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