Understanding how NeuroStar TMS therapy in Washington DC works can help you feel more empowered to make confident treatment decisions. This innovative technology uses focused magnetic pulses, similar to MRI scans, to stimulate your mood-regulating nerve cells without exposing your body to medication.
By activating specific areas of your brain, NeuroStar TMS therapy treats your major depressive disorder by encouraging healthier neural communication patterns. Let’s discuss how we can support your recovery.
During treatment, a magnetic coil is placed against your scalp, producing brief, precisely timed magnetic pulses that reach about two centimeters into your brain tissue. These pulses depolarize your neurons in an area of the brain that is consistently underactive in patients who suffer from depression. Over successive sessions, the stimulation promotes neuroplasticity—your brain’s capacity to form stronger pathways.
NeuroStar TMS therapy does not trigger seizures or require anesthesia. Unlike medication, it avoids widespread biochemical changes in your body. Extensive research shows there is only a moderate risk of side effects. This makes NeuroStar TMS therapy a relatively safe choice for adults 22 years old and up who are seeking relief from MDD, OCD, and anxious depression.
Your treatment schedule follows a well-studied structure: five weekday sessions for seven weeks. Each visit to our treatment locations begins with a quick test to confirm the minimum pulse strength needed to activate your neurons, followed by about nineteen minutes of brain stimulation. You may read, listen to music, or simply relax during your session.
Regular check-ins allow us to track mood changes and fine-tune the level of stimulation. This predictable routine fits seamlessly into busy calendars, letting you return to work or run errands immediately afterward.
For our Washington DC patients, your NeuroStar TMS therapy sessions work to complement, rather than replace, other evidence-based strategies that already support your recovery. We also encourage you to form restorative habits, such as balanced nutrition, consistent sleep, and moderate exercise, as these choices can increase the neuroplasticity that magnetic stimulation started.
Your family members are welcome at select check-ins, giving them practical ways to support your progress between your sessions. As your symptoms improve, we will review which lifestyle adjustments helped the most and craft a plan for the months ahead.
Many patients in the DC area notice improved moods within four to six weeks after starting NeuroStar TMS therapy. A study of 615 participants found that 83 percent experienced measurable improvement following TMS therapy (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.). Benefits can last up to a year before reassessment may be needed (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401).
Because NeuroStar TMS treatment is non-sedating, you remain clear-headed throughout your treatment. This also means that you can keep up with therapy sessions, work projects, and family duties without interruption.
Take the first step toward relief from your depression or OCD symptoms by scheduling a consultation to learn how NeuroStar TMS therapy works for Washington DC patients. At Genesis TMS and Wellness, our dedicated specialists are ready to guide you through a personalized plan that fits your life and goals.
