Is TMS treatment the same as ECT (Electroconvulsive or "Shock" Therapy)?
No. TMS treatment & ECT are different. TMS treatment uses magnets to stimulate specific areas that are under active in depression. ECT uses electricity to cause a seizure and is generally recommended as a last resort treatment.
TMS treatment and ECT are different treatments
| TMS |
ECT |
- Uses a magnet to stimulate areas that are under active in depression
- Because a magnet is used, TMS has a benign side effect profile compared to ECT
- TMS can be completed outpatient and you can go about your day before and after
|
- ECT uses electricity to cause a seizure
- Because electricity is used, it has a severe side effect profile including memory loss and cognition problems
- ECT is completed inpatient requires anaesthesia
- ECT is generally recommended as a last resort treatment
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