Living with depression can make everyday life more difficult. You may notice persistent low mood, loss of interest, or trouble with concentration, even when you try hard to manage your symptoms. If you have tried antidepressant medications, you may feel frustrated by systemic side effects or limited improvement.
However, patients in McLean with conditions treated by NeuroStar TMS therapy have another option grounded in science. This breakthrough in mental health treatment treats major depressive disorder (MDD) using non-invasive technology. NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy uses targeted magnetic pulse stimulation to address the areas of the brain associated with mood to help you move forward with hope and support.
NeuroStar TMS therapy is an FDA-cleared treatment for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents aged 15 and older. Adults aged 22 and older can also use it as an adjunct treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), in combination with their other ongoing treatments. This therapy uses magnetic fields, similar to MRI technology, but it targets specific brain regions linked to depression.
During treatment, you sit comfortably while the NeuroStar system delivers precise magnetic pulses to your brain. Patients complete sessions five days a week for seven weeks (or for six weeks if treating OCD). Over 8.5 million NeuroStar treatments have been delivered to more than 230,000 patients in the United States, demonstrating widespread use. In one large retrospective study, 83 percent of patients experienced improvement in depressive symptoms and 62 percent of patients experienced remission from their depression. (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.)
NeuroStar TMS does not cure depression, but it treats symptoms without adding medication to your system. There is a moderate risk of side effects, most commonly scalp discomfort or headache.
The primary condition treated with TMS is major depressive disorder (MDD). If you have depression with comorbid anxiety, sometimes called anxious depression, NeuroStar TMS may still be an option when depression is the main diagnosis being addressed. Results from treatment can last up to 12 months for some patients. (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401)
NeuroStar TMS also has clearance as an adjunct treatment for OCD in adults aged 22 and older, so you should continue your OCD treatments. It is important to know that NeuroStar TMS does not have FDA clearance to treat post-traumatic stress disorder or other conditions beyond these indications. If you are exploring NeuroStar TMS therapy, understanding which disorders are treatable can help you make informed choices.
Living with ongoing depression can affect how you feel about yourself, your relationships, and your future. There are a few conditions treated by NeuroStar TMS therapy that McLean patients can address, and with continued research, the range of conditions treated may expand to include other common mental health disorders in the future.
If you are ready to find out if this #1 physician-recommended treatment is right for you, contact our office today. A personal consultation can help you decide if NeuroStar TMS therapy fits your needs and goals. You deserve support, clarity, and a treatment plan that puts you first.
