How does NeuroStar work?

NeuroStar is a non-drug and non-invasive treatment for depression and an adjunct treatment obsessive-compulsive disorder delivered in a doctor’s office. You recline comfortably in a NeuroStar chair (much like a dentist’s chair or spa chair) during treatment. During a treatment session, precisely targeted magnetic pulses stimulate the mood-regulating areas in the brain. There is no anesthesia or sedation. You are fully awake and alert during treatment, and you can resume normal activities immediately after a treatment session.

Can NeuroStar help me achieve remission from depression symptoms, and how long can it last?

NeuroStar is a non-drug, non-invasive therapy that can help you achieve long-term relief from the symptoms of depression. Many people’s depression symptoms significantly improve or go away after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. In clinical studies, NeuroStar has shown to provide acute treatment response and remission*** for over one year.

Is NeuroStar safe and does it have any side effects?

An FDA-cleared depression treatment, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is safe and easy to tolerate. Because it’s non-drug and non-invasive, it’s free of systemic side effects of antidepressants. The most common side effect associated with NeuroStar is mild to moderate pain or discomfort that typically subsides within the first week of treatment.

Is NeuroStar covered by insurance?

NeuroStar TMS Therapy for depression is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare, usually after medication options have proven ineffective in your major depression treatment.

What indications does TMS treat?

TMS is FDA cleared to treat treatment resistant depression.

Should I have a chaperone to and from my appointment?

TMS is a non-invasive treatment and most patients feel comfortable driving themselves to and from their appointment. You’re welcome to arrange a ride to and from your appointment if you’re more comfortable with that.

Can I return to work after TMS treatment?

Yes, most patients feel comfortable returning to work immediately after their TMS treatment if necessary.

During the session, you will feel a tapping sensation on your head. Each treatment session lasts around 19 minutes. Some NeuroStar patients experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site during the first week of treatment. This is usually temporary and subsides in subsequent treatments.

TMS for Adolescent Depression in Tysons Corner

The teenage years can be difficult, and factors like changing bodies, peer pressure, and rising academic expectations can cause stress. However, for some teens, low moods are symptoms of depression rather than temporary feelings.

If you are concerned your teen is experiencing depression, our expert and empathetic providers at Genesis TMS and Wellness are here to help. One option for relieving symptoms is NeuroStar TMS therapy, which is the #1 physician-recommended treatment for depression. We are here to help Tysons Corner patients learn more about NeuroStar TMS for adolescent depression.

TMS and Adolescent Depression

Though NeuroStar TMS has been approved for adults since 2008, in 2024 it received FDA clearance for treating major depression in adolescents ages 15 to 21. The clearance allows providers to bring this approach to younger patients at a critical stage of their own development.

TMS Therapy introduces short magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that manages mood regulation. These magnetic pulses produce small electrical currents inside of the brain to activate the cells that release neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Since an imbalance of these chemicals can cause depression, the goal of NeuroStar TMS for adolescents in Tysons Corner is to restore that chemical to optimal levels.

NeuroStar TMS offers an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments, reducing the risk of side effects that younger patients may have to deal with. Because the procedure focuses on specific areas of the brain, the risk for adverse reactions elsewhere in the body are minimized.

Symptoms of Depression in Teens

Teenage patients in Tysons Corner with depression may experience emotional and behavioral change that may cause difficulties at home, school, and social activities. Symptoms can include emotional changes such as feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration; low self-esteem; sensitivity to failure or rejection; loss of interest in hobbies and spending time with friends; trouble concentration; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

You may also notice behavioral changes such as insomnia or sleeping too much; loss of energy; changes in appetite; use of drugs or alcohol; poor performance or frequent absences from school; less attention to personal hygiene or appearance; angry outbursts; and self-harm including cutting or burning.

What To Expect with NeuroStar TMS

Our team at Genesis TMS and Wellness will explain each step of the NeuroStar TMS process. To begin with, your teen will sit in a chair and a magnetic coil will be placed against the left side of their head. The coil delivers pulses that are similar to an MRI.

NeuroStar TMS consists of 19-minute sessions over seven weeks. Your provider will discuss the specific frequency of treatments prior to beginning the procedure, as it is tailored to your teen’s individual needs. This treatment has been the subject of more than 65 studies, and research shows that:

With every subsequent round of medication, the chances of remission decrease, and the chance of abandoning treatment increases due to the increase in side effects. (Results from the STAR*D study, medication attempts (n=4,041), Trivedi (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Rush (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Fava (2006), Am J Psychiatry | McGrath (2006), Am J Psychiatry).
Results typically take four to six weeks to appear and can last up to a year. (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401)

We are here to support your adolescent child and your whole family through each step of the NeuroStar TMS cycle.

Adolescents With Depression in Tysons Corner Can Call Us to Learn More About NeuroStar TMS Therapy

If your teen is showing signs of depression, our providers at Genesis TMS and Wellness are here to help. We will discuss your child’s medical history and current symptoms to determine if NeuroStar TMS therapy will be a good fit. If you live in Tysons Corner, schedule a consultation today to explore NeuroStar TMS options for adolescent depression.

Conditions Treated By Tysons Corner NeuroStar TMS Therapy