October 1st, 2024
As a parent, seeing your teen or child struggle with depression can be heart-wrenching and difficult to watch. If you’ve been exploring different depression treatment options, you might have come across Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy (TMS). But what exactly is TMS therapy, and how can it help with teen depression and depression in children?
TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
Unlike medications, TMS therapy directly targets the brain, helping to “wake up” areas that may be underactive in those struggling with depression. This is particularly beneficial for those who might have difficulty tolerating medications or haven't found relief through traditional depression treatments.
During a TMS session, you are seated comfortably while a magnetic coil is placed near your head. The coil sends gentle magnetic pulses to the brain, helping to restore normal brain activity and improve mood over time.
Each session is relatively short, typically lasting around 20 to 30 minutes, and is done in a clinic setting. At our TMS clinics, patients can even watch their favorite TV shows or movies during their TMS session to ensure a pleasurable experience that will make every session fly by.
You might be wondering whether Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a suitable option for your child or teen struggling with clinical depression. In April 2024, the FDA approved TMS therapy for adolescents aged 15–21 to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Prior to this, TMS had already been FDA-approved for adults aged 18–70. However, for individuals under the age of 15, TMS therapy is still considered an "off-label" procedure.
The term "off-label" might sound concerning, but it’s a common practice in psychiatry and pediatrics. Many medications and treatments, especially in mental health, are prescribed off-label because the rigorous process for formal FDA approval can take years. This doesn't necessarily mean the treatment is unsafe; it simply means that the FDA’s specific approval process may not yet be completed.
At Clarity, we provide TMS therapy to those aged 18 and older. Although the FDA recently approved TMS therapy for those aged 15-21, we have chosen to limit our treatment to individuals 18 and older at this time.
This decision allows us to closely follow established FDA guidelines and ensure the best care for our patients. If you are considering TMS therapy for your teen, especially if they are younger than 18, it's important to consult with a specialist.
Our psychiatrists and healthcare providers can discuss the potential benefits and risks of off-label use to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding your options is a crucial step in finding the best path forward for your child. We're here to help guide you through the process and explore all possible depression treatments such medication management and therapy to support your child's mental health.
Yes, TMS therapy has shown promising results in helping children and teens with depression. While more research is still needed before TMS therapy can be formally and fully approved for children under 15, current clinical trials indicate that TMS therapy can be an effective treatment option for managing depression in younger individuals.
For children and teens who have not responded well to traditional treatments, TMS treatment offers a non-invasive alternative that doesn’t involve medication side effects.
While the findings of ongoing clinical trials are encouraging, it's important to note that researchers are continuing to study TMS therapy in children to fully understand its long-term effects and safety. This ongoing research is essential before the FDA can formally approve TMS treatment for children under 15.
If you’re exploring TMS therapy as a potential depression treatment for your child, consulting with a mental health professional can provide insight into what would be best for your child.
At Clarity Clinic, we currently provide TMS therapy for individuals aged 18 and older, but we are closely monitoring the latest developments in pediatric TMS research to stay informed about its future use in children and teens. We also offer the best pediatric psychiatrists and therapists to help treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder and more.
While the use of TMS therapy for children and adolescents under the age of 18 is still being studied, TMS is known to have a fair amount of advantages. For instance, TMS treatment is generally well tolerated by patients, with little to no pain during treatment. TMS is also free from systemic side effects that you may experience if you are on antidepressant medications.
Another key benefit of TMS therapy is that it does not require sedation or anesthesia. This means that the patient can return to their daily activities immediately after each session, whether it’s school, sports, or time with friends. The procedure itself is relatively quick, typically taking around 20-30 minutes, making it easier to fit into a busy family/life schedule.
With ongoing research and a growing number of success stories, TMS therapy is emerging as a promising and effective option for managing depression in younger populations. While more research is still needed, current clinical trials have shown promising results.
While TMS therapy shows promise for treating depression in children and teens, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of formal FDA approval for individuals under 15. A standardized/uniform treatment protocol for TMS in children and adolescents has not yet been established. As a result, TMS treatment for those under 15 is considered "off-label," and treatment approaches may vary between providers.
Another concern is the limited research available on the long-term effects of TMS therapy in specifically younger people. While some studies conducted in the United States have shown positive outcomes, these studies are still relatively small and recent.
This makes it difficult to fully understand the potential long-term impact of TMS for depression on a child’s developing brain. Without more extensive research, we can’t be certain about the lasting effects of TMS treatment in children and teens.
As a parent, it's crucial to weigh these factors when considering TMS therapy for depression for your child. Consulting with a mental health professional at Clarity Clinic can help you explore established and effective depression treatment options for children.
The first line of treatment for clinical depression in children typically involves a combination of therapy and lifestyle changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly recommended therapies, as it helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms and manage negative thought patterns. In some cases, family therapy and play therapy may also be beneficial to address specific issues related to child depression.
In addition to therapy, lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and a structured daily routine can support a child's mental health. Depending on the severity of the depression symptoms, a healthcare provider may also suggest a depression test to better understand your child’s specific needs.
In certain cases, medication like antidepressants may be considered. However, this decision is usually made carefully, taking into account the child’s age, depression symptoms, and overall health. It's important to note that medications are typically used when other interventions haven't been fully effective on their own.
The best approach is to have an open conversation with a healthcare provider to determine what would be most suitable for your child. They can help guide you through available options and create a tailored depression treatment plan aimed at supporting your child's mental health.
At Clarity Clinic, we offer comprehensive depression treatment for both children and adults. Our team of experienced child therapists, child psychiatrists, and child psychologists is dedicated to providing top-notch mental health care for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, ADHD, and more.
We understand that every individual is unique, especially when it comes to mental health, and we tailor our treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each child and adult.
For children, book an appointment to talk to a provider about which treatment option would be best for your child’s depression. This can include options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy to ensure a supportive and holistic healing environment.
When it comes to adults, we also offer a variety of cutting edge treatment options, including medication management, therapy, PHP/IOP programs, and TMS treatment for depression.
Our goal is to help our patients find the most effective path to mental wellness that works for them.
If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, we are here to guide you through every step of the journey. For leading therapy, PHP/IOP programs, medication management, TMS near you (18+) and more, Clarity Clinic can help!
We have mental health clinics all over Illinois to ensure mental health care is easily accessible to our community. If you are located in Chicago, head to our Loop, River North, Lakeview Broadway, or Lakeview Belmont clinic.
If you are located in a surrounding suburb such as Oakbrook, Northbrook, Schaumburg, Evanston, Winnetka, and Naperville, IL, head to our Evanston or Arlington Heights clinic. What are you waiting for? Book an appointment today and take control of your mental health!
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