Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non invasive treatment for severe unipolar depression, bipolar depression, hallucinations (specifically auditory), posttraumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, migraines and tinnitus. Side effects appear to be minimal. Headaches have been reported as well as a euphoric feeling, but these generally wear off. Limited information is available for this treatment as it is still in its infancy.
Kastner Lab, Department of
Psychology
Depression-wise, this treatment is most effective against
depressive illnesses that have a focal point or specific
cause. As a treatment, TMS is still in its infancy and is
experimental at best. A similar treatment in research at the time of writing
is rTMS, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation,
which was made possible in technological advances in the
1980s.
Unfortunately, research into TMS at the Maudsley Hospital, London, have proven disappointing
and therefore TMS should not be considered a viable
alternative to ECT.