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TMS helps individuals cope with bipolar disorder

By Staff Writer

Bipolar disorder affects nearly 5.7 million Americans each year, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). When a mental illness is untreated, it may lead to substance abuse and addiction. Rehabilitation facilities can provide individuals with the care they need to quit drugs and manage their condition. Moreover, new advancements in treatment are being made every day.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a new form of bipolar disorder treatment that is growing in popularity. A number of individuals with the condition are seeing success with this technologically-advanced method, including John O'Sullivan, who has been suffering from bipolar disorder since he was a teenager.

"From my experience going back to my teenage years, I've never been as optimistic about life as I am now after TMS," O'Sullivan said. "I feel like a million bucks. I feel great. It's a pretty big change."

Magnets used in treatment send electrical waves to the brain, provoking it to release more mood-enhancing chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This can be crucial to helping individuals avoid addiction linked to their mental illness. Drug treatment centers can help people already suffering from addiction as a result of the condition.