Depression can feel like a constant weight that affects every part of your life. It is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and can make activities you once enjoyed feel challenging. It can also cause changes in appetite, sleep, concentration, and memory. Many treatments for depression are currently available, but knowing which one is right for you can be difficult.
Many clients seeking treatment for depression have questions regarding TMS therapy vs. medication. Our qualified clinical team at Genesis TMS and Wellness is committed to helping you understand the options available and discover which one may be right for you.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment for depression—as well as OCD—that reactivates regions of the brain that show decreased activity. It achieves this by using magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are involved in mood control.
Meanwhile, antidepressants are prescription medications that work to alter brain chemistry and restore emotional balance. They are typically taken once a day and require consistent usage to be effective.
TMS Therapy and antidepressant medication are both clinically proven treatments for depression. NeuroStar TMS therapy can be particularly beneficial in cases of treatment-resistant depression, which occurs when someone has tried other treatments for depression without success. TMS is proven to be effective for individuals who have not responded well to medication.
Clinical studies have shown that TMS can lead to substantial improvements in depressive symptoms without the common systemic side effects of medication. Because antidepressant medications require daily ingestion of substances that alter parts of the brain that are involved in regulating other body systems, it is common to experience several systemic side effects, including potentially nausea, weight gain, drowsiness, insomnia, appetite changes, and headaches. People who opt for medication often need to try several different options due to unpleasant side effects.
Because TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anything to enter the body, it has no systemic side effects of medications. Possible side effects for TMS include headaches, scalp discomfort at the stimulation site, dizziness, and facial tingling. If side effects do occur, they are typically mild, resolve quickly, and decrease with subsequent sessions.
The cost of TMS therapy can depend on several factors, including insurance, location, and the number of required sessions. TMS treatment is covered by most major insurance companies, including Medicaid, so most patients do not pay out of pocket. We will verify insurance coverage and discuss any expected costs prior to scheduling your TMS therapy sessions.
Antidepressants are also typically covered by insurance. This coverage can vary depending on your plan and the type of medication prescribed to you. Even with insurance, you may have out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan’s copays and deductibles.
Many people wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of TMS therapy and medication when beginning their journey toward mental wellness. While TMS therapy may produce promising results in the treatment of depression, at Genesis TMS and Wellness, we understand that every individual is unique. Schedule a visit today to speak with our qualified team about TMS therapy and what you could gain from using it.
