How this local doctor is making depression treatment drug-free + more effective right now

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Dr. Hayden with depression treatment patient — Dr. Hayden loves interacting with his patients. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

After years of hearing about failed drug treatments for depression, the world is waking up to alternative methods, and we have help right here in Huntsville.

We got the inside scoop on how this local doctor is making depression treatment drug-free, safe and incredibly effective. Read on for all the details.

Meet Dr. Hayden

Dr. Hayden and his coffee roaster — Dr. Hayden roasts coffee beans in his free time. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

An expert at perfecting processes, Dr. Hayden loves roasting his own coffee beans. He buys them from Guatemala and says that the flavor of fresh beans is unparalleled.

Dr. Hayden is a board-certified psychiatrist who earned his medical degree and completed residency at University of Alabama Birmingham. He’s been serving Madison County for the last 15 years.

Just like roasting coffee, Dr. Hayden is also keen to perfect processes in his practice. This led him to dig deeper and begin utilizing TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)—a technique that uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in the brain.

Originally, he operated a practice that prescribed drugs to treat depression. Yet, some of his patients weren’t getting better, and the only drug-free alternative he could offer was ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)—a treatment much more invasive than TMS.

After researching TMS for countless hours, Dr. Hayden knew it was the solution for safe, drug-free depression treatment. He opened TMS Huntsville in 2011.

Drug-free depression treatment

Patient talking with nurse — Treat depression more effectively and safely with TMS. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

Dr. Hayden showed me the difference between a depressed brain and a “normal” brain on a PET scan. A depressed brain will typically look less active than a “normal” brain.

Here’s how TMS gets a depressed brain to “wake up”:

A coil with a pulsing magnetic field sits on the patient’s head and stimulates the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This pulsing magnetic field then sets off a chain reaction through the brain’s connectomes—the stepping-stone-like circuits that carry the pulse.

This chain reaction reaches all the way to the emotion center of the brain and begins to activate it—and it begins improving memory and mood.

“Through the brain’s connectomes, TMS activates the hippocampus, which is vital for memory. When people are depressed, they have trouble remembering basic tasks at work and home. But after 30 treatments of TMS, the hippocampus is larger on the MRI scan and memory has improved.”
Dr. Charles Hayden, TMS Huntsville

Looking for a safe, drug-free depression treatment? Check out TMS Huntsville.

Impressive success rate

Dr. Hayden and Nurse Practitioner — Kimberly McDonald, TMS Huntsville Nurse Practitioner, and Dr. Hayden. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

TMS may sound scary or uncomfortable, but I got to see firsthand how mild it is. Dr. Hayden put the magnetic field on the back of my hand, and it only felt like someone was tapping me.

If you’re wondering if TMS is the route for you, here’s what you need to know:

If you’ve had two failed drug-depression treatments, TMS is FDA-approved and covered by insurance. It’s likely the best option for you if none of the traditional methods are doing the trick.

When it comes to depression treatment drugs, there’s usually a 27% chance of wiping out depression the first time you take a medicine. If you’ve tried three failed drugs, the fourth one only offers a 7% chance of full recovery.

On the other hand, TMS has a 50% chance of full recovery—even for patients who have had multiple failed drug depression treatments.

“If you’ve tried a couple of medicines, and you’re not getting better, it’s time to turn to TMS.”
Dr. Charles Hayden, TMS Huntsville

Check out TMS Huntsville today

Staff at TMS Huntsville — The TMS Huntsville staff is friendly and helpful. (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

Researchers have used TMS as a depression treatment for over 25 years, and the procedure has virtually no side effects.

“TMS is used all over the world, and it works. But, some doctors are not always aware that TMS is available and insurance pays for it.”
Dr. Charles Hayden, TMS Huntsville

Aside from raising awareness of TMS on a scientific level, Dr. Hayden also is passionate about the depression treatment method as a means to provide healing to his patients.

“Depression is a serious condition that can begin to define someone’s identity because it affects so many areas of life. Sometimes people can be exhausted and frustrated by the process of trying to find effective treatment. It’s been a privilege for myself and our team to provide this novel technology that offers hope and healing.”
Dr. Charles Hayden, TMS Huntsville

Ready to begin your healing journey? Reach out to TMS Huntsville today.

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