[Retnick]

(for anyone unfamiliar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transc...ic_stimulation

TMS therapy did not work for me. It didn't harm me but had no positive effect either.

It was also easily the most expensive depression treatment I have tried, costing thousands of dollars, and I didn't get a penny back from insurance. I filed multiple claims retroactively, but the insurance company claimed the treatment was experimental and you know what? They were right.

I want people to be wary. I was younger and naive when I did this. Fact is, depression is big business.

My message to readers is this: Don't shell out the big bucks till you've tried everything else first. Especially the cheaper options, of which there are plenty. They may be more effective, too. Never know till you try.

[Catch3]

It blows my mind the things that insurance companies cover and of course the things they don't. According to my family they saw drastic changes when I was going through TMS treatment. I was going 3 times a week at first and then started tapering off. I personally never felt like a "new" person and at some point financially you just have to draw a line when the cost is that crazy!!! I totally understand what you are saying.

[shadow2000]

It's too bad to hear that transcranial magnetic stimulation didn't seem to help you at all and that your insurance company didn't reimburse you at all for the cost of the treatment. I also think that your idea about trying less expensive treatments before trying TMS and/or other more expensive treatments generally makes sense, though I do, of course, think that effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and other factors need to be taken into consideration when making decisions about which mental health treatments to try.

Are there any treatments for depression that you've tried and have also found to be helpful?

[possum220]

I live in Australia. Clinical trials are ongoing regarding TMS at many Hospitals and Clinics. They have had some amazing results not only for depression but also PTSD and Parkinsons and Autism.

I had a number of treatments for TMS but it didnt take for me but I have seen some friends lives transformed. For some TMS is a life saver. It's wonderful to see that is will be beneficial in more areas than first thought.

[Retnick]

Originally Posted by possum220

I live in Australia. Clinical trials are ongoing regarding TMS at many Hospitals and Clinics. They have had some amazing results not only for depression but also PTSD and Parkinsons and Autism.

I had a number of treatments for TMS but it didnt take for me but I have seen some friends lives transformed. For some TMS is a life saver. It's wonderful to see that is will be beneficial in more areas than first thought.

If it's a clinical trial, then for sure go for it. It carries very little risk especially compared to some antidepressants on the market. And I know it's helped some people. Just don't set yourself up for failure like I did, sinking so much $ into what I expected to be a miracle cure and then it doing nothing.

It took me a year a half to recover from the disappointment. I was barely employed during that period, too. The next time around, I was smarter and did a trial for ketamine (didn't work) instead of paying for it.

Shadow2000, my depression is a little unique since it's mixed in with severe chronic head pain. No traditional medications have helped. I'm looking into alternative treatments now like cbd oil and medical marijuana. I've only tried the former so far with a vaporizer and it does take the edge off the pain. I would look into it if you have pain issues.

[possum220]

The insurance system is very different here to the US. I paid nothing for the TMS treatment under the clinical trial apart from the normal costs of private health cover.

TMS is not seen as a 'extra' added cost. If it was I would not have even considered it. Sorry that you had to bear the cost of it with no benefit.

[Jolisse]

TMS did nothing for me.

[sandygrn]

TMS therapy did not work for me. It didn't harm me but had no positive effect either.

It was also easily the most expensive depression treatment I have tried, costing thousands of dollars, and I didn't get a penny back from insurance. I filed multiple claims retroactively, but the insurance company claimed the treatment was experimental and you know what? They were right.

I want people to be wary. I was younger and naive when I did this. Fact is, depression is big business.

My message to readers is this: Don't shell out the big bucks till you've tried everything else first. Especially the cheaper options, of which there are plenty. They may be more effective, too. Never know till you try.[/quote]

I am sorry to hear that you did not get relief from your depression with TMS. I found it very helpful and my insurance company paid for it. The FDA approved TMS for treatment of major depression in 2008. Most insurance companies still considered it experimental well up into 2013. Now all major insurance companies have a policy for payment of TMS if you meet certain criteria. My doctor said he saw about 70% of his patients get an improvement in their depression and around 20% of those were actually in remission.
I would certainly do it again if I needed it again.

[sandygrn]

TMS therapy did not work for me. It didn't harm me but had no positive effect either.

It was also easily the most expensive depression treatment I have tried, costing thousands of dollars, and I didn't get a penny back from insurance. I filed multiple claims retroactively, but the insurance company claimed the treatment was experimental and you know what? They were right.

I want people to be wary. I was younger and naive when I did this. Fact is, depression is big business.

My message to readers is this: Don't shell out the big bucks till you've tried everything else first. Especially the cheaper options, of which there are plenty. They may be more effective, too. Never know till you try.

I am sorry to hear that you did not get relief from your depression with TMS. I found it very helpful and my insurance company paid for it. The FDA approved TMS for treatment of major depression in 2008. Most insurance companies still considered it experimental well up into 2013. Now all major insurance companies have a policy for payment of TMS if you meet certain criteria. My doctor said he saw about 70% of his patients get an improvement in their depression and around 20% of those were actually in remission.
I would certainly do it again if I needed it again.