When you present with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxious depression, you may be curious why NeuroStar TMS stands out from other treatment options.
This non-invasive therapy does not rely on pills, so it does not have the systemic side effects of medication or treatments that require anesthesia. The main goal of TMS therapy is to ensure the brain sustains higher levels of activity, which could put you in remission if you are experiencing MDD, OCD, or anxious depression.
NeuroStar TMS uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate the neurons in certain areas of your brain to improve symptoms of major depression, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These conditions are caused when the synapses in your brain stop working correctly; by stimulating these areas with electromagnetic waves, dormant neurons can become more active, leading to more normal brain function. If the neurons remain turned on and functioning normally, you are likely to feel that your condition is in remission.
While standard treatment usually lasts about seven weeks, you may notice an improvement in symptoms within two to three weeks after beginning treatment. A clinician at our practice can explain why and how many NeuroStar sessions you might need.
Patients with MDD, OCD, or anxious depression typically experience decreased activity in areas of their brain that regulate mood, emotion, and behavior. TMS therapy is designed to increase brain activity by stimulating those areas with electromagnetic waves.
TMS therapy is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While most TMS treatments follow the same basic principles, the NeuroStar TMS Therapy offers some unique features.
TMS technology functions in a way similar to an MRI machine: it is safe and has few side effects. With regular treatment sessions, TMS trains your brain to increase its activity; over time, your brain learns to function better on its own.
TMS therapy includes no medication and so does not cause unwanted side effects of medications in the brain or digestive tract; TMS will not interfere with other medications you might be taking.
Psychotherapy encourages insight, coping strategies, and behavioral changes through talking to a trained therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Unfortunately, psychotherapy alone often cannot address the chemical imbalances in the brain that cause major depression, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. By stimulating brain activity, NeuroStar TMS can treat those conditions.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an invasive treatment where a person under anesthesia has electric currents passed through their brain, inducing short seizures. The procedure appears to change brain chemistry and may reverse symptoms of some mental health conditions.
NeuroStar TMS is not invasive—the patient is not put to sleep and can continue with their regular daily routine afterward, including driving.
There are many reasons why NeuroStar TMS is effective at treating major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxious depression. We are confident we can help you find long-lasting relief from your symptoms.
Contact our clinic today to answer any questions you have concerning TMS therapy or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!