A lot of people know what it is like to manage depression symptoms every single day. You might wake up already feeling tired, unmotivated, or not like yourself. Things that used to be easy or enjoyable can start to feel like a struggle, and it can be discouraging when you have tried different treatments but still have not found the kind of relief you were hoping for.
This sort of situation is where NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could help. NeuroStar TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for patients in McLean, VA that does not rely on medication, so it does not have the systemic side effects associated with drugs. If you are looking for a different way to manage major depressive disorder (MDD), depression with comorbid anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this may be a path worth exploring.
When you are considering your mental health care options, it is important to find something that feels right for you. NeuroStar TMS is non-invasive, which means there is no surgery, anesthesia, or recovery time. You come in for your session, stay awake the whole time, and then go right back to your normal routine.
Many of our McLean patients ask us about NeuroStar TMS treatment because they want to move away from medications that can affect the whole body. Medication often comes with systemic side effects that can be difficult to manage. NeuroStar TMS works in a more targeted way to stimulate specific areas of the brain that affect mood.
It is cleared by the FDA for adults aged 15 and up who are living with MDD. We may also recommend NeuroStar TMS to patients age 22 and up dealing with anxious depression or OCD. Another thing that gives patients confidence when considering this therapy is that NeuroStar TMS is known as the #1 physician-recommended treatment of its kind. We also provide a consistent treatment schedule, which means we support you and check in with you regularly throughout the process.
It helps to know what to expect before starting something new. NeuroStar TMS uses a device that delivers a magnetic pulse to certain regions of your brain. These pulses help activate nerve cells that affect mood, which can improve how those parts of your brain communicate over time.
When you start NeuroStar TMS therapy, your care team will carefully explain the treatment procedure and build a plan specifically for you. Each session usually takes about 20 minutes. You sit in a comfortable chair and stay awake during the treatment, where you can talk, read, watch TV, or simply rest quietly. Most patients notice a tapping sensation on their scalp during their treatment but it is not painful.
It is important to understand that NeuroStar TMS treats depression, but it does not cure it. Some people start to notice changes within 2-3 weeks, but everyone is different, and your provider will keep track and make adjustments as needed so you feel supported along the way.
Living with depression can feel heavy and frustrating, especially when you have not yet found the right solution. NeuroStar TMS is a non-invasive option that does not involve another medication. With a steady schedule and a team that pays attention to your progress, NeuroStar TMS therapy could help patients in McLean feel more like themselves again.
If you are ready to try something different, we are ready to help. You deserve care that fits your life and supports how you want to feel. Call our office today to learn more about Genesis TMS & Wellness, and how we are committed to your wellbeing.
