Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is highly effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression who have tried at least one antidepressant medication without measurable results. NeuroStar TMS therapy is also approved for the treatment of depression-related anxiety and as an adjunctive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
The symptoms of these conditions are frustrating, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. We understand you want relief as soon as possible. Results could be seen in as little as two weeks for qualifying patients.
The best way to get relief from your symptoms using NeuroStar TMS therapy is to undergo a complete treatment plan. Typically, a NeuroStar TMS treatment session takes 18 minutes. A treatment cycle requires one session per day for five days per week over seven weeks. The length of your treatment cycle varies depending on your symptoms and condition.
Many people will experience signs of relief after two weeks, but these are early signs. The full outcome is experienced at the end of your treatment cycle.
Individuals who do not follow the recommended plan may experience slower results or may not experience the anticipated symptom relief. Following the treatment plan and completing the treatment cycle for NeuroStar TMS therapy is vital to experiencing a positive outcome.
The timeline for experiencing symptom relief is based on several factors and the condition being treated. Most people notice improvement between the fourth and fifth week. However, some could experience benefits sooner and others later than this range.
Most patients report incremental or gradual improvement in their symptoms throughout treatment. Friends and family often recognize those changes before the patient does. We do regular assessments throughout treatment to help track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the NeuroStar TMS therapy.
The initial signs that your symptoms of depression are being relieved by TMS therapy vary between individuals. Many people report small signs at first, but experience truly life-improving symptom relief by the end of the treatment cycle.
Some of the common signs of improvement in individuals who experience depression include a return of their sense of humor or an improvement in their ability to manage daily tasks. Others report feeling more present in the moment and experiencing more hope.
You may experience increased energy or find that activities and hobbies are becoming more enjoyable. The length of time it takes for you to experience symptom relief is dependent on many factors. If your improvement goes more slowly than you hoped, the treatment may still be effective.
The length of time you experience symptom relief also depends on several factors. For most people, symptom improvements can range from several months to several years. NeuroStar TMS therapy also enables individuals to engage in other lifestyle choices proven to reduce symptoms of depression, including exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and getting eight hours of quality sleep each night. The challenge with these treatments is that they are difficult to undertake while you are feeling depressed.
During the time you experience symptom relief with NeuroStar TMS therapy, you have the opportunity to engage in treatment options that may not have been possible while experiencing depression. Exercise, dietary changes, talk therapy, and good sleep hygiene all make a significant difference in the symptoms of depression.
We encourage you to call our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the timeline for results of TMS therapy.
