Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel exhausting, especially when your symptoms become deeply embedded in your daily routines. Many people explore multiple treatment approaches over time.
If you are searching for an additional, non-drug care option, NeuroStar TMS therapy for OCD in Washington DC is a clinically informed and FDA-cleared approach that is worth considering. While NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) does not replace other OCD treatments, it can serve as an adjunct option alongside the care you are already receiving.
NeuroStar TMS was FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder in 2008 and OCD in 2022.
NeuroStar TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate targeted areas of your brain involved in your OCD symptoms—similar to how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields in an MRI scanner. It is non-invasive, does not use medication, and does not require sedation. This makes it a good choice if you are hoping to avoid additional systemic side effects.
You are awake and seated comfortably during every treatment session. We position a magnetic coil against your head, and you may feel a tapping sensation as the device delivers repeated magnetic pulses. These pulses are designed to stimulate neural activity in targeted areas of your brain.
We deliver NeuroStar TMS in an outpatient setting with no downtime afterward—you can return to your normal Washington DC routine immediately following each OCD adjunct treatment session.
The full treatment course lasts seven weeks, typically with sessions five days per week. Most people begin noticing changes between weeks two to three, although everyone’s experience is unique. Symptom improvement can last up to a year.
OCD is often persistent and can involve intrusive thoughts, compulsive patterns, or repetitive mental habits that take up your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. As symptoms can fluctuate, many individuals benefit from combining more than one form of support.
NeuroStar TMS therapy does not act as a cure for OCD, and it does not replace other treatments in Washington DC. Instead, it is an adjunct, giving you another tool to improve your symptoms. This is appealing if you prefer non-drug options or want to reduce your reliance on treatments that create systemic side effects.
NeuroStar TMS also offers predictability. Your treatment sessions follow a consistent schedule, the process is the same each day, and you remain fully awake and engaged throughout treatment.
As with any medical treatment, there are considerations to review. NeuroStar TMS has a moderate risk of side effects, the most common being mild discomfort at the treatment site or a temporary headache, especially in the early days of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure—we will discuss this with you during your evaluation.
As NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared and non-invasive, it is a reasonable option to consider if you are medically stable and able to attend regular sessions. Please note that NeuroStar TMS is not cleared to address PTSD, does not cure OCD, and does not replace ongoing care.
If you are exploring non-invasive OCD treatment options that do not introduce systemic side effects, NeuroStar TMS may be a supportive addition to your existing OCD treatment plan.
Contact our office today and work with our experienced providers to determine whether this adjunct treatment aligns with your goals, preferences, and current care. TMS therapy for OCD in Washington DC may be the additional treatment you need.
