After your major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis, you started thinking about treatment options. You wondered what form of psychotherapy might be right for you and whether you had the right therapist. You contemplated the side effects from different antidepressants. Then, you discover NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy and begin to wonder: “Is TMS therapy right for me?”
TMS is a relatively new treatment option for mental health concerns compared to traditional medications and talk therapy, but it has been cleared by the FDA to treat the symptoms of MDD and other mental health conditions. NeuroStar TMS therapy often provides relief from MDD symptoms when other treatment options have been ineffective.
What Is TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar TMS is a non-invasive treatment for MDD and treatment-resistant depression. It is a good option for many patients as it requires no surgery and no downtime after a TMS treatment session.
NeuroStar TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to target specific sections of your brain—most commonly those areas related to mood. This encourages electrical activity in these brain regions, helping to rejuvenate the neural pathways that already exist as well as encouraging the growth of new neural pathways. These pathways then help combat the depressive symptoms you are experiencing.
Good Candidates for TMS Therapy
NeuroStar TMS therapy may be the right treatment for you if:
- You are over the age of 15
- You have been diagnosed with MDD
- You are experiencing severe medication side effects
- You are experiencing treatment-resistant depression
- You are under the care of a mental health professional
- You are unable to undergo traditional treatment options
Not everyone will be a good candidate for NeuroStar TMS therapy, even if you meet many of the criteria above. If you have a history of seizures, you should not undergo TMS treatment, as it may increase your risk of having a seizure. You should also avoid NeuroStar TMS if you have any magnetic metal implants. The TMS device creates magnetic pulses, which can impact the effectiveness of your implants. Your implants may also affect the magnetic field created during TMS therapy and interfere with your results.
What To Expect During Your TMS Therapy Session
NeuroStar TMS therapy typically takes place over several weeks, with multiple sessions a week. Each treatment plan looks a little different as we tailor it to meet your needs and how you respond to the TMS treatments. Our skilled team is here to give you the best experience possible.
Your first appointment for NeuroStar TMS therapy will be used for the mapping process. The device—containing the TMS electromagnetic coil—will be placed against your head and turned on and off. You may feel a tapping sensation and hear a clicking sound. Our provider will move the device around your head, adjusting the magnetic energy and the strength of the pulses to determine the appropriate dosage for you.
During a typical treatment session, you will sit in a comfortable chair and be given earplugs to reduce the sound from the NeuroStar TMS device. The device delivers the magnetic pulses in a distinct pattern, and you may feel some slight discomfort or pain as the process begins. Most people say that the pain eases as they get further into their treatment program and that common headache relief medicine helps.
Contact Us To Discover if NeuroStar TMS Therapy Could Work for You
Reach out and schedule a consultation with our skilled team at Desert View Counseling. Our experts can answer all your questions about NeuroStar TMS therapy, including the most important question of all: Is TMS therapy right for me? You have options for treating your depression—we can help you find the best one for you.
