TMS for adolescents/teens

[MsMJ]

Hello,

My son (16) has been struggling with treatment resistant depression; and having tried about 4 different anti-depressants on different doses without much success, his psychiatrist is suggesting we look into TMS as a potential course of treatment.

I wanted to ask if anyone has had experience of TMS as a young person and what the side effects and outcomes were? My son would ideally be having it as an outpatient and I also wanted to understand any cost implications to be aware of (we have top private hospital cover).

I would really welcome any feedback or suggestions.

many thanks, a concerned mum

[Sophie_M]

Dear MsMJ,
 
Welcome to the forums, thank you for joining our supportive community to seek feedback and recommendations about your son’s pending treatment. We are sorry to hear that your son is experiencing such difficulty at a young age, and this is compiled by the inability to get appropriate medication or treatment.
 
It is fantastic that your son’s treating Dr has continued to provide recommendations and options for his care, but we can appreciate the apprehension of a new treatment such as TMS. Unfortunately, as this is quite a specifically used treatment at present, our community members may not have had experience with the procedure personally.
 
For any concerns or question we would encourage you to engage with the treating Dr as they are the specialist who has recommended the procedure and would be the best source of honest and accurate information around TMS, it’s potential side effects and any funding queries.
 
Hopefully some of our members will be able to provide some personal insight into experiences they have had if not with this treatment, then with depression and other similar options.
 
Warm Regards
Sophie M