Alternative depression treatment
Magnetic nerve stimulation
Non-invasive and highly effective
Medication-free therapy
About TMS
Revolutionizing Depression Treatment: Safe and Effective NeuroStar TMS
Depression is a serious and common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and people can lose interest in life in general. In severe cases, depression can lead to suicide.
Traditional treatments for depression include antidepressant medication and talk therapy, but these treatments are not effective for everyone. For those individuals, NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be a viable alternative treatment option.
NeuroStar TMS is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment for adults who have not seen improvement from antidepressant medication. It is also a viable option for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of medication or who prefer not to take medication for their depression.
- Over 3 million treatments delivered
- 7 in 10 people experienced significant improvement
- 37% of patients achieved remission of depression symptoms
- Long-lasting symptom relief
What to Expect in TMS Therapy?
During a TMS treatment session, an insulated magnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead. Magnetic pulses can cause small electrical currents to flow in the neurons in the brain, which can affect their activity levels and improve the patient’s mood regulation.
Each treatment session lasts about 20 minutes and is typically administered five times a week, for six weeks, followed by six treatment sessions to phase out gradually. You might experience a light tapping sensation during the session that can diminish with successive treatments.
The treatment is performed while you are awake and alert, and you can drive and carry on with your regular routine immediately after treatment sessions.
What Are the Advantages of TMS?
TMS therapy has fewer side effects compared to medication. Patients may feel scalp discomfort at the site of the magnetic coil, and tingling or spasms in the face during the TMS treatment sessions.
Some patients may experience mild to moderate headaches. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. It would not cause drowsiness, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction, or other side effects patients may experience by using medication for depression.
TMS therapy is overall well-tolerated, and patients can continue their work and normal daily activities during the weeks of TMS treatment.
Am I A Good Fit for TMS?
It’s important to note that TMS therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as a seizure disorder, or those who have metal in their head or brain, may not be able to receive TMS therapy. Additionally, TMS therapy may not be covered by all insurance plans, so it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if it is covered.
Jingduan Yang, M.D.
Specialization
Dr. Yang is the president and founder of the American Institute for Clinical Acupuncture, which is dedicated to educating and training physicians and other healthcare professionals on clinical acupuncture and ancient Chinese medicine. He is also a founding board member of the nonprofit International Network of Integrative Mental Health, which is dedicated to improving public access to integrative medicine treatments.
Experience
Dr. Yang is the author of two books, “Facing East: Ancient Health and Beauty Secrets for the Modern Age” with noted designer and fashion icon Norma Kamali and “Clinical Acupuncture and Ancient Chinese Medicine,” a textbook resource for modern healthcare professionals seeking knowledge about acupuncture and ancient Chinese medicine, with Dr. Daniel Monti. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in his fields of expertise and is frequently a speaker at national and international conferences and academic forums.
Training
- Dr. Yang received his training in neurology and psychiatry at the Fourth Military Medical University in Xian, China and the WHO Collaborative Mental Health Center in Shanghai
- Completed a research fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology at Oxford University
- Completed residency training in psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia
- Bravewell Fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona
Awards and Recognition
In 2017, Dr. Yang was appointed by the mayor of Philadelphia to The Opioid Task Force, a group that has been tasked with developing a comprehensive and coordinated plan to reduce opioid abuse, dependence and overdose in Philadelphia. Through his, and others, efforts, the FDA recently advised doctors to consider acupuncture as an alternative to opioids for pain management.
Languages
English and Chinese (Mandarin)