WSMV 4 reported that a Nashville doctor uses TMS with talk therapy and medication as clinics see more mental health problems after the pandemic in Tennessee.
WSMV 4 report on TMS
WSMV 4 reported from Nashville on March 20, 2024, amid rising suicide rates in Tennessee and nationally. The report focused on transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, as one treatment being used by Dr. Charles Weber, a Nashville doctor.
According to WSMV 4, Weber uses a combination of technology, talk therapy and medication. He told the station that it is important to consider treatment modalities beyond medication alone.
How the report describes TMS
WSMV 4 described TMS as a treatment that applies magnetic currents to areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. The station identified TMS as a standout treatment within the mix of approaches Weber uses.
The report did not describe TMS as a replacement for talk therapy or medication. Instead, WSMV 4 presented it as part of the combination of technology, therapy and medication used by the doctor featured in its Nashville report.
Mental health concerns cited
Weber told WSMV 4 that clinics have seen a rise in mental health problems since the pandemic. He cited finances and other stresses as factors connected to the increase described in the report.
WSMV 4 placed those comments in the context of rising suicide rates in Tennessee and across the country. The report did not provide additional figures in the supplied extract about those rates or about the number of people receiving TMS.
Focus on treatment options
The WSMV 4 report reflects a discussion about using more than one type of mental health treatment. Weber’s comments to the station emphasized looking beyond medication alone, while the report also named talk therapy and technology as parts of his approach.
WSMV 4’s description of TMS focused on its use of magnetic currents and its connection to brain areas associated with mood regulation. The report presented that description alongside Weber’s observation that mental health problems have increased since the pandemic.
What this means for Tennessee patients
For people looking for treatment locally, this directory lists 97 published clinics in Tennessee. WSMV 4’s report identifies TMS as one treatment being used in Nashville alongside talk therapy and medication.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Tennessee reporting on treatment updates.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.