How Long Until My TMS Therapy Start to Work?
When Will I Feel Results of My NeuroStar TMS Therapy?
Most patients start to feel that TMS therapy is working after four to six weeks. The treatment protocol generally consists of sessions five days a week for seven weeks for depression symptoms, or six weeks for OCD symptoms, with each session being about 19 minutes long. Since TMS acts on the brain gradually, it may be some time before changes are noticed - so you should not just assume that TMS is not working after just a few sessions. Some feel better before the cycle is complete, while others may not feel improved until after the end of the treatment cycle.
The first signs that your TMS treatment is starting to work may be small. You might feel a little more energetic, or you might notice that your mood has improved. Daily tasks might not feel as difficult anymore, and you might experience a little more hope. These early changes can be encouraging, even if you are not feeling like your old self yet. It may be helpful to monitor your feelings throughout each day of your therapy. You can jot down notes on your mood and on how easily you completed your daily tasks. This may make the progress more noticeable, even if it is gradual at the start.
Why Does It Take Time for TMS to Work?
NeuroStar TMS therapy works over time to gradually change the activity in your brain. If you suffer from depression, parts of your brain may be less active compared to others. These areas of the brain are stimulated by the magnetic pulses from TMS, which enable them to function properly. Results take time because the brain needs to adjust to the treatment. Everyone's brain is unique, so responses to TMS will vary. Some people respond much more quickly, while others take longer. If you think the TMS is not working like it should, we recommend waiting a few more weeks or ask us about an adjustment.
What If TMS Is Not Working?
If you think TMS is not working on you, there are certainly options. Many factors can determine how quickly you respond to NeuroStar TMS, including the severity of your symptoms and individual brain chemistry. This therapy has been shown to be highly effective but does not work on everyone. If you have not begun to see an improvement by the end of your TMS treatment, talk to your practitioner. They might want to make adjustments to the treatment or consider other options.
The STAR*D study, the largest clinical trial of MDD ever conducted, showed that the rate of remission goes down with each new medication needed. If you’ve tried 3 or more medications, the chance of remission was just 7%. (Results from the STAR*D study, medication attempts (n=4,041), Trivedi (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Rush (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Fava (2006), Am J Psychiatry | McGrath (2006), Am J Psychiatry)
Contact Us To Learn More About TMS Treatment Timelines and Results
You may be thinking that TMS is not working for you, but it will depend on multiple factors, including the number of weeks you have been doing it. If you are wondering how long it generally takes NeuroStar TMS therapy to work, contact us for answers. It may take some time for results to start showing, but 83% of patients in a clinical study reported improvements. (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.) Sticking with the treatment and communicating with your practitioner gives you the best chance of success. Reach out to Bloom Health Centers for more information.
TMS Patient Journey at Bloom
New to TMS and wondering how long it might take before you start to see results? You are not alone.
Find out more about the journey to a life without depression through TMS Therapy at Bloom.
TMS Offered At:
Virginia
Arlington
801 N Quincy St, #601
Arlington, VA 22203
Winchester
158 Front Royal Pike, #206
Winchester VA 22602
MOB III, 7702 E Parham Rd Suite 102 Richmond, VA 23294
630 Peter Jefferson Pkwy STE 130 Charlottesville, VA 22911
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NeuroStar Indication Statement
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.