If you’re thinking of undergoing TMS treatment, you may be wondering “Can TMS change my personality?” The short answer is no. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) cannot fundamentally change a patient’s personality, but it can relieve depressive symptoms and thereby facilitate the improvement of one’s ability to think and function.
Although TMS doesn’t have the ability to transform a patient’s personality, research proves that certain personality traits within the five-factor model of personality can increase a patient’s positive response to transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments. We’ll explain and define the five-factor model shortly.
How Can TMS Help?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary non-invasive type of brain stimulation that painlessly sends magnetic pulses to underactive parts of the brain to help combat severe depressive symptoms. It has the following benefits:
- Improvement in overall mood
- Greater ability to concentrate
- Increased energy and motivation
- Balanced sleep schedule and appetite
- Enhanced interest in activities
- Reduced anxiety
TMS has very few side effects that do not include personality alteration, memory loss, or other impairments in thinking.
TMS and the Five-Factor Model of Personality
TMS doesn’t change a patient’s personality, but studies have shown that particular personality dimensions can increase a patient’s antidepressant response when given repetitive TMS treatments. The five-factor model of personality is a psychological model of an individual’s personality that is divided into five distinct traits that describe a person’s thoughts and feelings. The model is comprised of the following five personality traits:
- Extraversion. This describes comfort levels with external stimuli. It is indicated by energetic and social behaviors.
- Openness to experience. Also referred to as intellect, this indicates an individual’s thoughtfulness and disposition for challenging tasks.
- Neuroticism. Although this trait is equivalent to one’s need for stability, it can be recognized by irritable and moody behaviors in stress-induced environments.
- Agreeableness. Empathetic and modest behaviors can indicate this personality trait. Often, these people tend to be very humble and accepting and sometimes considered as conflict-averse or submissive.
- Conscientiousness. This refers to an individual’s sense of responsibility. Individuals with a strong will to achieve goals possess high levels of this trait.
Individuals can assess their personality traits and behaviors with the help of a mental health professional. For faster results, people can perform an online test to determine their scores of the five-factor model of personality. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete and it will determine how you score on each personality based on three levels—low, medium, and high.
According to research, people who score high on agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness are more likely to experience considerable decreases in symptoms of depression from TMS treatments.
Improve Your Health with Mid City TMS
When you, a close friend or family member seek TMS to treat depressive symptoms, you will confidently know the answer to the question, “Can TMS change my personality?” TMS doesn’t fundamentally alter personality, but it does allow patients the ability to experience improved energy, reduced anxiety, and greater interest in activities.
If your depression has proven resistant to other treatments, transcranial magnetic stimulation may be the best option for you.
Contact us today to speak with health professionals about whether or not TMS is right for you.