TMS for Bipolar Depression in Houston, TX
Bipolar disorder brings extreme emotional highs and lows. When you are caught in a depressive episode, relief can feel out of reach. At Houston West TMS, board-certified psychiatrist and Brainsway Deep TMS specialist Dr. William K. Drell can help you determine whether Deep TMS treatment may reduce your depressive symptoms. Please be aware that TMS is not FDA approved for bipolar depression; it is an off-label treatment that is not covered by insurance.
Request a TMS AppointmentWhat are the symptoms of bipolar depression?
Signs that you may be in a depressive phase include:
- Feelings of sadness, worry, or emptiness
- Having little to no energy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling unable to enjoy anything or get motivated
- Difficulty getting out of bed
- Eating too little or too much
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Difficulty making decisions
- Contemplating suicide or death
Bipolar depression may present with some or all of these symptoms. Episodes often last two weeks or longer and can occur rarely or several times a year. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline right away.
How is bipolar depression treated?
Bipolar depression is treated much like depression that occurs on its own, but with extra care to avoid triggering a manic episode. Psychiatrists may prescribe mood-stabilizing medications, antidepressants, or antipsychotic drugs. These can complement talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which gives you tools to manage stress and negative thoughts. When these approaches do not provide adequate relief, Deep TMS may be an option in addition to the psychiatric care you are already receiving.
What is Brainsway Deep TMS therapy for bipolar depression?
TMS therapy can be used to treat depressive episodes when medications and psychotherapy are not enough. It is noninvasive and FDA cleared for major depressive disorder. During treatment, you wear a helmet-like device that delivers brief magnetic pulses to your brain, stimulating specific neural pathways involved in mood. TMS has no major side effects beyond potential mild headaches or scalp discomfort, and care is taken not to induce a manic episode. You do not have to stop your medications to undergo TMS, so there is no period of worsening symptoms from being off treatment.
To learn more about how the technology works, visit our Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Brainsway Deep TMS pages, or explore related treatments such as TMS for Depression and TMS for Anxiety.
If you have bipolar depression, you do not have to face it alone. Contact Houston West TMS at (713) 464-4455 or request a consultation online to get the support and care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMS treat bipolar depression?
TMS may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder by stimulating brain regions involved in mood. It is used off-label for bipolar depression in addition to the psychiatric care you are already receiving.
Is TMS for bipolar depression FDA approved?
TMS is FDA approved for major depressive disorder but not specifically for bipolar depression. Its use for bipolar depression is off-label and is generally not covered by insurance. Dr. Drell can discuss self-pay options with you.
Will TMS trigger a manic episode?
Dr. Drell takes special care during treatment to minimize the risk of inducing a manic episode. He monitors your response closely and coordinates with your existing psychiatrist throughout your TMS course.
Do I need to stop my mood stabilizers for TMS?
No. You do not need to stop your current medications to undergo TMS. Your existing psychiatrist will continue managing your medications, and Dr. Drell adjusts treatment to account for their effects.
How will I know if TMS is helping my bipolar depression?
Dr. Drell meets with patients periodically throughout treatment to track symptom changes and overall mood. Many patients notice gradual improvement in energy, motivation, and outlook over the course of treatment.
How do I schedule a consultation for bipolar depression?
You can schedule a consultation by calling (713) 464-4455 or requesting an appointment online. Dr. Drell will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether Deep TMS is right for you.