An expert guide to TMS for the treatment of depression in adolescents

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) offers an alternative approach to treating mental health conditions, such as depression, in adolescents.

Here, Dr Justin Stephenson, renowned clinical psychologist at Smart TMS London, provides a comprehensive insight into TMS for the treatment of depression in adolescents.

Adolescent mental health

Adolescence is a formative time in life during which physical, emotional, and social changes can make young people vulnerable to mental health conditions.

Here are some key facts about adolescent mental health:

• There are 20% of adolescents who are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in any given year.
• There are 75% of young people who currently aren’t receiving treatment for their mental health problems.
• There is a 10 years average wait in the UK to receive treatment for a mental health problem.

Importantly, up to 75% of all mental health problems are established by age 18. Early diagnosis, treatment and intervention is therefore essential to help young people achieve good mental health and wellbeing.

What is TMS?

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a clinically-proven and non-invasive method of brain stimulation.

TMS for depression works by stimulating the prefrontal cortex of the brain, involved in the regulation of emotions, through the repetitive application of highly targeted magnetic pulses over the scalp. This restores good neural patterns and pathways, calming the parts of the brain that cause depression.

TMS is completely safe and painless. There is no need for anaesthesia, medication or hospitalisation.

TMS treatment for depression at Smart TMS

Smart TMS is the first provider in the UK to offer TMS for the treatment of depression in people aged 14 to 18.

TMS therapy at Smarts TMS has been meticulously developed by a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist. There is full parental involvement throughout treatment, and referrals from other healthcare professionals are welcome.

If you are living with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Justin Stephenson via his Top Doctors profile today.