Depression can feel like a constant burden that makes every aspect of your life difficult. Finding a treatment that works for you can be challenging, as traditional medications can be ineffective or intolerable because of their many side effects.
If you are seeking a way to manage your symptoms of depression, NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may provide long-awaited relief. At Genesis TMS and Wellness, our expert team helps you understand your mental health treatment options. We will work with Tysons Corner patients to explore the benefits of TMS therapy vs. other treatments to determine which option may be right for you.
Antidepressants are commonly the first choice of treatment for managing depression. However, while these medications can be effective for some, about one in three patients do not experience improvement in their condition. Antidepressants can also come with a list of side effects, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbance.
NeuroStar TMS therapy can be a positive option for patients who have not found relief with antidepressants or have experienced intolerable side effects. In contrast to other treatment methods, patients generally report fewer and milder side effects from TMS therapy. You may experience headaches or slight discomfort during or after your TMS sessions, but these symptoms typically resolve quickly and decrease as you continue your treatment.
Another key difference between NeuroStar TMS and antidepressant medication is the duration of treatment. Antidepressants are typically taken daily for an indefinite period. In contrast, TMS therapy requires you to attend five sessions per week for seven weeks.
TMS treatment is sometimes compared to Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), as they are both non-invasive procedures designed to treat symptoms of depression. However, these two treatments work in very different ways. ECT aims to rebalance brain chemistry by inducing brief seizures. Sedation is necessary for patients undergoing ECT, so they will be drowsy after the procedure and will require monitoring for a few hours following their treatment sessions.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy does not require medication or sedation. You will be awake throughout the session and will not need recovery time, so you can resume your daily activities immediately after treatment. It is generally better tolerated and easier to fit into your usual routine than ECT.
A popular way to manage depression and other mental health conditions without any medical intervention is talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling. Psychotherapy is an effective way to restore mental balance by helping patients:
While psychotherapy can be effective for some, it is not enough for many clients to adequately manage their mental health symptoms. Psychotherapy focuses on managing symptoms, whereas NeuroStar TMS therapy can help treat the underlying causes of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression with co-morbid anxiety. Attending psychotherapy alongside TMS sessions can enhance the benefits of both treatments for Tysons Corner patients versus talk therapy alone.
If you are seeking the right approach to address depression or OCD, our dedicated team at Genesis TMS & Wellness helps you find the right approach for your needs. People living in Tysons Corner can contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about TMS therapy as compared to other treatments.
