The Difference Between Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Globally, more than 264 million people suffer from depression. Some people are affected worse than others and some mental health conditions are harder to treat with medications. 

In fact, depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. 

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, new ways to treat depression have emerged. These treatments include Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. 

What are these medical treatments for depression? And how do they work to treat the symptoms? 

Read on to learn more about these two different methods of managing depression. 

Both Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are methods of managing depression. They are used for types of depression resistant to other medications, like antidepressants.  

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine is a drug previously used as an anesthetic on battlefields. Recently, it has been shown that ketamine can reduce suicidality when ingested. 

Ketamine might not work for all people with symptoms of depression, however. 

Ketamine can have significant side effects. These side effects include high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and dissociation. 

These health complications may be enough to dissuade some from using it as a method of treating depression from day-to-day. 

Although it can be life-saving if an individual is in an acute crisis, other treatments may be better overall. 

How Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Work? 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a procedure that artificially stimulates nerve cells in your brain through the use of magnetic pulses.

This procedure is non-invasive and works by stimulating the part of your brain involved in mood control. You can receive treatment within 30 minutes and return to your daily activities. Most patients do not experience side effects from treatment. 

The biological science of how this works is not entirely known. However, many have testified that TMS helped them manage their depression. These results are incredibly encouraging. 

What Benefits Can Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Have?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an established and proven medical procedure that has been in development for decades.

These results are not merely anecdotal, either. Studies have shown that TMS is successful for about 60% of individuals who tried other depressive treatments including medications and therapy. 

Around 1/3 of individuals that try TMS, experience full remission of their depression symptoms. 

These results should be very encouraging for anyone struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

Which Form of Treatment is Right for You?

When attempting depression management, it’s important to carefully consider the different treatment options available. 

For some, available medications can ease their depression symptoms. And that is a good thing. Others unfortunately do not experience freedom from depressive symptoms with medications alone.

Thankfully, methods like TMS exist that can help individuals manage their depression. This method of treatment could help many adults experiencing depression. 

If you or someone you know would like more information on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, check out this link, which provides useful insight into how TMS operates and the next steps to see if this treatment option is right for you.