If you have tried different medications and still feel affected by persistent symptoms, it is natural to ask: What is treatment-resistant depression? At The TMS Center of New Jersey, we help you understand if your symptoms are indicative of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and explore care that matches your goals and comfort, such as NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Clinicians often use treatment-resistant depression to describe major depressive disorder symptoms that continue despite adequate trials of at least two antidepressants. You might notice ongoing low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, or sleep and appetite changes, even after following a prescribed plan. You may also experience depression with comorbid anxiety, which can complicate how treatments feel day to day.
At The TMS Center of New Jersey, your evaluation covers medications, therapy history, symptom patterns, and how side effects have affected your quality of life. This full picture helps us determine whether a non-invasive, device-based option such as NeuroStar TMS could be an appropriate treatment for you.
NeuroStar TMS delivers precisely mapped magnetic pulses to the regions of your brain involved in mood. Sessions last about 19 minutes and typically take place five days per week over seven weeks. Experiences vary, but many people with TRD notice changes to their persistent depressive symptoms in the first few weeks, with results usually building over four to six weeks. NeuroStar is not associated with cognitive impairment and is considered to have a moderate risk of side effects—the most common are temporary scalp discomfort or mild headache, which can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
In a real-world analysis, 83 percent of patients experienced improvement (Sackeim et al., 2020). Benefits can continue up to 12 months, though results vary (Dunner et al., 2014). At The TMS Center of New Jersey, our clinicians will track your progress and adjust your plan with you.
If you are still wondering, “What is treatment-resistant depression?” we are ready to explain the condition and discuss your options. The TMS Center of New Jersey offers FDA-cleared NeuroStar TMS—the #1 physician-recommended treatment—delivered by a team that listens carefully and tailors care to you. Results take time, but with consistent sessions and clear goals, many patients experience meaningful improvement. Contact The TMS Center of New Jersey to schedule your one-on-one consultation and see whether NeuroStar TMS is a good next step for you.
