讀後心得

Depression has become a common mental health issue in modern times, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In Taiwan, approximately 2 million people are troubled by depression, yet fewer than 1 in 5 are willing to seek professional help. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is regarded as a more effective and safer treatment option. Unlike traditional repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, Deep TMS can reach deeper into the brain's emotional control areas, making it particularly effective for patients with suboptimal responses to medication. The treatment process is painless and takes about 20 to 40 minutes, allowing individuals to immediately resume their daily lives afterward, which is especially suitable for those troubled by side effects of medication. Dr. Xu Shuhau emphasizes that depression is treatable, and seeking professional assistance early can help patients overcome their low points.

Depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and has become a common mental health issue in modern times. It is not just about feeling low; depression can also lead to a loss of interest in life, impacting work and interpersonal relationships. According to statistics, approximately 2 million people in Taiwan suffer from depression, but fewer than one-fifth are willing to seek professional help. Many choose to endure because they do not understand their situation or are afraid of being labeled, which leads to worsening conditions. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) has also emerged as an effective and safe treatment option.

How is Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation different from traditional repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)? According to experts, both methods stimulate the brain using magnetic fields to alleviate depressive symptoms, but the depth and range of the treatment differ. rTMS stimulates the superficial layers of the brain, while Deep TMS penetrates deeper to stimulate core areas that control emotions, affecting a broader range. For patients who do not respond well to medication or rTMS, Deep TMS often provides rapid and favorable improvement. Additionally, the treatment process of Deep TMS is more comfortable, requiring no special head positioning, and patients can resume normal activities immediately after the session without impacting their daily lives.

The Deep TMS treatment lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes and does not interfere with normal life. Clinical studies have shown significant effectiveness of Deep TMS for depression, particularly for those with treatment-resistant depression where medication effects are inadequate, demonstrating better outcomes in improving low mood and poor sleep. Many patients who have undergone Deep TMS treatment report feeling an improvement in mood, stable sleep, and a renewed motivation for life after the sessions.

The treatment process of Deep TMS is safe and painless; patients simply wear a specially designed helmet and stimulate the brain through magnetic fields for about 20 to 40 minutes, without the need for injections or medication. After the session, patients can continue to work or return home without needing to take time off. Compared to the side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and weight changes that may come from medication treatment, Deep TMS does not affect daily life, allowing patients to feel more at ease during the treatment process.

Deep TMS is particularly suitable for those with poor medication response or those troubled by medication side effects. It can also be combined with medication or psychotherapy, but the most appropriate treatment plan must be tailored by a physician based on the specific situation of the patient to assist them in achieving optimal improvement.

Depression is not something to fear; it is treatable, much like a common cold. Many patients can successfully emerge from their lows after receiving appropriate treatment. If you or someone close to you is struggling with depression or showing related symptoms, please seek professional help immediately and do not delay.