Living with depression can make even the simplest parts of your day very difficult. You may have started treatment feeling hopeful, only to find that your symptoms have returned or did not improve as much as you expected. If your current treatment is no longer helping you improve, you may wonder what other options are available.
One of those options is NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, a non-invasive treatment for people with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxious depression who have not achieved satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication. Our team can help Herndon patients understand how NeuroStar TMS therapy works.
Many people living with MDD begin treatment with antidepressant medication. While medication helps many people, it does not work the same way for everyone. Some people continue to experience symptoms despite trying one or more medications. Others find that medications become less effective over time or that systemic side effects make it difficult to continue.
Learning how NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation works is a great first step for patients in Herndon who are considering this alternative treatment. Instead of circulating medication throughout your body, TMS delivers magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain that affect depression. It uses technology similar to an MRI but applies it differently to help treat depression.
Treatment takes place in our office over seven weeks. Each session lasts only a short time, and you remain awake throughout your visit. After your appointment, you can usually return immediately to your normal daily activities. Most people begin noticing improvement after about two to three weeks of treatment, although every person’s experience is different.
More than 250,000 patients have received over 9.1 million NeuroStar TMS treatments, and as with any medical treatment, there is a moderate risk of side effects. The most commonly reported side effect is discomfort or pain at the treatment site during the procedure, which often improves as therapy continues.
When depression continues despite medication, it is natural to wonder whether there is another option. NeuroStar TMS offers an alternative treatment that does not rely on adding more medication to your daily routine. Instead, it focuses on stimulating the brain using magnetic pulses to help treat your condition. Many people appreciate having a treatment option that does not involve additional systemic medication side effects. While results vary from person to person, clinical benefits may last for up to one year for some patients following a successful course of treatment (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401).
As patients in Herndon learn more about NeuroStar TMS and how it works, it is important to understand that we personalize every treatment plan. Our team will carefully evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments to determine whether it is an appropriate option for you. We will also answer your questions so you understand what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Depression can leave you feeling hopeless about getting better, especially when your current treatment no longer seems to be helping. Learning about how NeuroStar TMS therapy works can help Herndon clients understand that there are additional treatment options available. By using targeted magnetic pulses instead of systemic medication, NeuroStar TMS offers a different approach for eligible adults living with eligible conditions.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we will take the time to answer your questions, discuss your treatment history, and determine whether NeuroStar TMS may be appropriate for you. Call our office to schedule your consultation and learn more about a treatment that may bring you relief.
