TMS for Bipolar Disorder: Is It an Effective Treatment?

For millions living with bipolar disorder, the search for effective treatment can feel like a frustrating cycle of trial and error. While medications and therapy are still the primary treatment options, many patients are turning to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to break the cycle.

While this non-invasive brain stimulation treatment has been used since the mid-1980s, many are still unfamiliar with TMS treatment for bipolar disorder. We’ll tell you how it works and what you can expect from treatment.

What is TMS Therapy For Bipolar Disorder?

The human brain is a massive network of neurons that communicate with one another using tiny electrical signals. TMS treatment for bipolar disorder works by triggering magnetic pulses through a device that can reach 2-3 centimeters into your brain, causing neurons to fire.

What makes TMS unique is that it is precise and non-invasive—specialists can stimulate specific regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation without surgery. By delivering carefully calibrated magnetic stimulations to targeted areas, TMS can actually modify electrical patterns that may be disrupted by bipolar disorder.

What Form of Bipolar Disorder Does TMS Therapy Treat?

TMS therapy is used to treat both bipolar I and II disorders.

For Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is typically characterized by at least one extreme manic episode—a period of abnormally elevated mood and energy lasting at least a week. While those with bipolar I disorder may experience depression, the disorder is characterized by racing thoughts, interrupted sleep, risky behavior, and even psychosis.

The goals of Bipolar I TMS treatment is to manage both mania and depression (if applicable) by using different stimulations:

• For manic episodes, doctors often use lower-frequency stimulation to calm the overactive brain.
• For depression, doctors may use higher frequencies to stimulate underactive areas of the brain.

For Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar disorder II is characterized by hypomanic episodes—milder forms of mania that do not meet the full criteria for a manic episode. While those with type II may experience elevated moods and energy, they typically do not exhibit the same impulsivity and risky behavior as those with type I bipolar disorder. To treat type II, physicians typically focus on:

• Using high-frequency stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to manage depression.
• Reducing the frequency and intensity of hypomanic episodes.

Customized TMS Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

A major benefit of TMS is that it can be customized to each patient’s symptoms, increasing the likelihood of success. This is especially critical for bipolar disorder, where symptoms vary significantly between individuals and change over time.

Treatment is often customized by stimulation intensity, number of pulses per session, duration of each session, targeted areas of the brain, and more.

Does TMS Work For Bipolar Disorder?

TMS can be an effective treatment, particularly for bipolar II disorder. In fact, a National Library of Medicine report shows that TMs can improve symptoms in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. The evidence is particularly strong when it comes to:

• Reducing depressive episodes
• Eliminating brain fog
• Reducing the frequency of hypomanic episodes
• Reducing traditional medication dependencies

What makes TMS for bipolar disorder even more exciting is that many patients achieve these benefits without all of the side effects associated with conventional medications.

While many medications can cause weight gain and kidney damage, among other issues, TMS treatment for bipolar disorder typically results in temporary side effects that quickly resolve—often a mild headache or scalp sensitivity.

With that said, TMS is not an effective treatment for everyone, so consult with your healthcare provider.

What to Expect During a TMS Treatment Session

Before beginning treatment, patients will go through a consultation. This is a critical first step, as TMS is not the appropriate form of treatment for everyone. Ideal candidates should be in good physical health, not have any implanted metal devices or pacemakers, and not have a history of seizures.

If TMS proves to be a viable treatment option, here’s what to expect from your first session.

• During treatment, your provider will administer magnetic pulses to assess your “motor threshold.” This preliminary process helps us find the appropriate position and intensity level.
• Treatment typically lasts 30-40 minutes, during which time you will sit in a comfortable chair and wear earplugs. You can expect to hear a faint beeping sound, similar to an MRI machine.
• A magnetic coil will be placed around your scalp (typically near the front of your head) to deliver magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain.
• You will feel a faint tapping sensation.
• Following the session, you can resume your daily life.

Breakthrough Treatments for Mental Health Recovery

Are you frustrated with conventional treatments and looking for real results? We can help. We offer a range of integrative treatments, including Ketamine Infusion Therapy and TMS treatment for bipolar disorder—all delivered with care in a state-of-the-art facility. Let us guide you toward a brighter future. Contact us today!

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine if ketamine therapy is suitable for your unique situation.