Trying a new kind of treatment for your mental health can feel intimidating, especially if you do not know what to expect. You might imagine a complicated or uncomfortable process, and that uncertainty can cause hesitation in scheduling an appointment. Knowing what a treatment involves helps you decide whether it is right for you.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a novel approach with a unique mechanism for supporting mental health, and understanding how NeuroStar therapy in Washington, DC works can help reduce any uncertainty. Once you understand each part of the process, it becomes less intimidating and much more approachable.
NeuroStar TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses, technology similar to that of magnetic resonance imaging machines, to stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood regulation in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). This differs from medication, which travels through your entire bloodstream. A full course of treatment takes about seven weeks.
NeuroStar TMS therapy treats adults with MDD and provides many of our Washington, DC, patients who have not responded to antidepressants with noticeable relief from their symptoms. Medical providers have used this approach in more than 7.4 million treatments on over 202,000 patients, and it has been part of more than 65 clinical studies. That data may be important when you are deciding whether to try something new.
During each session, you will sit comfortably in a chair while we position a small device near your scalp. You may notice a mild tapping sensation, especially during your first few sessions, which most patients tolerate well. We use no anesthesia, so you will remain fully alert and will be able to drive yourself home or back to work immediately after each appointment. Sessions typically take place several times a week throughout your seven-week course, and there is no downtime required in between. NeuroStar TMS therapy offers a manageable routine that fits your regular Washington, DC, schedule rather than disrupting it.
As with any treatment, there is a moderate risk of side effects, and your provider will review what to expect before you begin. Most patients notice results within four to six weeks, and those results can last up to a year. If your symptoms return later, your provider can discuss retreatment with you then. Knowing this timeline in advance can make the experience feel more predictable, so you are never left wondering what stage of treatment you are in or what comes next.
Understanding the process, from the science behind the magnetic pulses to what an actual session feels like, can make the decision to try something new feel a lot less challenging. NeuroStar TMS therapy fits into your day without surgery, anesthesia, or disruption to your routine.
If you are ready to see how NeuroStar therapy in Washington, DC works for you, call our office today. We are happy to answer your questions and help you take the next step.
