The Safety of TMS in Treating Depression During Pregnancy
The Safety of TMS in Treating Depression During Pregnancy
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, Dr. Danish and his team now offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and others. For our adult patients with ongoing depression, this treatment is covered by insurance. TMS is widely regarded as a very safe treatment option, but there are unique patient populations where the risks may be higher, including pregnant women. In expecting mothers suffering from depression, we know that untreated depression negatively affects the baby, as can certain medications. TMS can be considered instead, on a case by case basis. This article delves into the safety of TMS for treating depression during pregnancy, based on findings from a 2019 study by Shah et al., titled "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder in Pregnancy: A Literature Review."
Efficacy of TMS During Pregnancy
Studies indicate that TMS can be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in pregnant women. In a pilot study by Kim et al., 70% of the pregnant women with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) experienced significant symptom improvement after 20 sessions of low-frequency TMS applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. About 30% of these women achieved remission, highlighting the potential of TMS as a non-pharmacological treatment option during pregnancy.
Safety of TMS During Pregnancy
When administered according to recommended guidelines, TMS is generally safe with few side effects. Common side effects include localized pain at the stimulation site, but these are typically mild and resolve with continued treatment. Serious adverse effects, such as seizures, are rare and occur at rates similar to those associated with antidepressant medications.
Fetal Outcomes and Neurodevelopment
Concerns about the impact of TMS on fetal neurodevelopment are minimal. A study by Eryilmaz et al. found no significant differences in neurocognitive and motor development between children born to mothers who underwent TMS during pregnancy and those who did not. These findings suggest that TMS does not negatively affect fetal development【5†source】.
Contraindications
TMS is not recommended for patients with metal or electronic implants near the stimulation site. These implants can interfere with the magnetic fields generated during treatment, posing a risk to both the mother and fetus. Proper screening and safety protocols are essential to minimize any potential risks associated with TMS during pregnancy【5†source】.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Danish and His Team
At Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry, we are excited to offer TMS as part of our repertoire of treatment options. We continue to stay on top of the latest research related to TMS to provide the best quality care in a safe manner. Our holistic and integrative approach ensures that we consider all aspects of our patients' well-being in developing personalized treatment plans. If you or a loved one are seeking support for depression during pregnancy or similar conditions, please text or call 610-999-6414 to learn how we can help.
For more detailed information, you can read the full study here
Other related articles:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34734643/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21314450/
Read the following blogs for more on various aspects of TMS:
Just how powerful is TMS is for depression?
Should patients getting ready for TMS stay on their antidepressants that are not doing enough?
Looking at the relative risk of TMS for patients with seizure disorder?
Accelerated TMS treatment for severe depression that is done in under 5 days!
TMS can lead to neuronal growth and neuronal plasticity.
