Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
At Reflect Health, we are pleased to offer rTMS as an advanced treatment option. This service is provided at our Belmont site, utilizing our facilities, but it is expertly run and managed by, Monarch Mental Health Group. If you are interested to enquire about this service, please find Monarch Mental Health Group’s contact information in the final section of this page.
What is rTMS?
A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation system (rTMS), also called intermittent theta-burst stimulation, provides a non-invasive treatment for various mental health conditions. It is a brain stimulation therapy that offers a safe and effective alternative for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional medications or therapy. At Monarch Mental Health Group (MMHG), we utilise cutting-edge rTMS technology to help patients overcome treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
rTMS uses short magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. During treatment, a magnetic coil is placed near your scalp, delivering painless pulses that activate or inhibit nerve cell activity. This targeted magnetic stimulation aims to normalise brain function and alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions. Through this process, families often discover how to:
What Mental Health Conditions Can rTMS Treat?
Your sessions will be a journey of mindful exploration. Our clinicians will guide your family in gently uncovering the roots of your challenges, helping each member gain profound self-awareness and understanding of their unique role within the system. We will work together to create new pathways for communication, connection, and healing, allowing your family to move from unconscious patterns to conscious, compassionate relating.
Depression
rTMS magnetic stimulation has been extensively studied and proven effective for treating depression and major depressive disorder (MDD), especially when traditional methods haven’t yielded satisfactory results.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation offers promising results for reducing OCD symptoms, particularly when this noninvasive brain stimulation therapy is targeted at specific brain regions involved in compulsive behaviors.
Anxiety Disorders
Studies suggest repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be beneficial in managing anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Other Mental Health Conditions
Research is ongoing to explore the potential benefits of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating other mental health conditions, such as PTSD, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and tinnitus.
Benefits of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment
- Non-invasive and painless
Unlike surgery or deep brain stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia or hospitalisation. The brain stimulation process is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. - Targeted treatment
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can specifically target brain regions implicated in the symptoms, offering a more focused approach than medications that affect the entire brain. - Fewer side effects
Compared to medications, rTMS has a lower risk of side effects, making it a suitable option for individuals who cannot tolerate medications or experience significant side effects. - Long-lasting effects
While results may vary, some patients experience sustained improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms even after treatment ends. - Can be used with other mental health therapies
rTMS brain stimulation therapies can be combined with psychotherapy and medication management for a more comprehensive treatment approach.
What’s next
If you are wanting to explore further, here is the rTMS Process at Monarch Mental Health Group
- Get in touch with Monarch Mental Health team
Click Here and complete the form. Our team will be in touch with you - Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, a psychiatrist at MMHG will thoroughly assess your medical and psychiatric history. They will discuss your symptoms, treatment history, and any current medications you are taking. This comprehensive evaluation will determine if rTMS or other brain stimulation therapies are a suitable treatment option for you. - Treatment Planning
If repetitive TMS is deemed appropriate, our team will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will outline the targeted brain region, the number of treatment sessions, and the frequency of stimulation. - Treatment Sessions
Repetitive TMS sessions typically last 30 minutes and are performed on an outpatient basis. You will be comfortably seated in a chair while the magnetic coil is placed near your scalp. You may experience a tapping sensation on your head during the session. Typically 35 acute sessions are required followed by maintenance sessions as determined by yourself and TMS Psychiatrist - Monitoring and Follow-up
Our team will closely monitor your progress throughout the treatment and adjust the plan as needed. Following the treatment course, follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your long-term response and overall mental health.