Depression, anxious depression, and OCD can deeply affect every part of life—relationships, work, school, and home. For those living with treatment-resistant depression, finding relief can often feel discouraging, especially after trying multiple medications or therapies without success.
While talk therapy and antidepressants are often the first steps in treatment, they don’t work for everyone. When symptoms continue despite these efforts, the condition may be considered treatment-resistant. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there are other options.
NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy offers a non-invasive, FDA-cleared approach that’s helped many people experience meaningful relief when other treatments haven’t worked. Like any treatment, it’s important to explore the benefits and considerations to make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Understanding the Benefits and Considerations
As with any medical treatment, TMS therapy has its advantages and potential drawbacks. Let’s explore both sides to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of TMS Therapy:
- Fewer side effects than medications: Many people turn to TMS therapy because it offers fewer side effects compared to typical psychiatric medications. Medications can cause issues like fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, hallucinations, and sexual dysfunction. In contrast, TMS therapy side effects are generally mild and short-lived.
- Mild and short-lived side effects: The most common side effect of TMS therapy is discomfort on the scalp under the magnetic coil during the first week of treatment. Some patients also report mild headaches, tooth pain, or facial pain, but these side effects typically fade quickly and are manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Non-invasive and no anesthesia: TMS therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning it doesn’t require surgery, anesthesia, or sedation. Patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after their treatment session.
- Encouraging Progress: Many patients begin to notice positive changes within the first two to three weeks of starting TMS therapy. While everyone’s experience is different, these early improvements can be a hopeful sign that the treatment is beginning to take effect.
- Long-term relief: While NeuroStar TMS therapy is not a cure, it can offer lasting relief from symptoms. Many people experience improvements that continue for 6 to 12 months after completing treatment. Ongoing benefits like these can make a meaningful difference in daily life, especially for those who haven’t found success with other approaches.
Drawbacks of TMS Therapy:
- Mild Scalp Discomfort or Tapping Sensation: Tapping on the scalp is a normal part of TMS treatment and will always be present during sessions. While it can feel unusual at first, most patients adjust quickly and find it becomes much easier with time. In fact, most patients report that the sensation is manageable and that they tolerate it just fine after the first week. If any discomfort arises, we can often improve it by adjusting the angle of the magnetic coil—keeping the treatment targeted to the same spot while avoiding irritation to nearby facial nerves.
- Headache or Fatigue: Some people feel a mild headache or sense of tiredness after sessions, especially early in the treatment course. This is completely normal—there’s a lot of work happening in the brain as new pathways are being activated and reestablished. These effects typically ease as your brain adjusts, and our team is always available to help you feel as comfortable as possible along the way.
- Time Commitment: A full course of TMS therapy typically includes daily 30-minute sessions over the span of seven to eight weeks. We know that fitting this into a busy schedule can feel like a challenge—but many patients find the structure manageable, especially with our extended hours and flexible scheduling options. Our team is here to work with you to make treatment as convenient and accessible as possible.
- Insurance coverage: While many insurance providers cover TMS therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD), coverage for conditions like anxious depression and OCD can sometimes be more challenging to secure. Our team is here to help you navigate the process—we’ll support you with benefit verification, prior authorizations, and any appeals needed along the way. We understand that insurance obstacles can be frustrating, and we’re committed to advocating for your access to care every step of the way.
- Very Rare Risk of Seizure: Although extremely rare, there is a small risk of seizure with TMS therapy. NeuroStar reports a seizure risk of less than 0.1% per patient, which is lower than the risk associated with many commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. Your safety is our highest priority. We conduct a thorough evaluation before treatment begins, and during your sessions, we carefully monitor your motor threshold (MT)—the strength of stimulation tailored to your brain’s unique needs. This ensures your treatment is delivered effectively without overstimulation, keeping it both safe and precisely targeted
Explore Whether TMS Therapy Is Right for You: Call Us Today!
If you are seeking an alternative to medication, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Collaborative Solutions in Psychiatry, we’re here to help you explore the advantages and drawbacks of TMS therapy and decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced staff will answer all your questions, provide personalized guidance, and help you make an informed decision about your mental health treatment.
References
- George MS, et al. The efficacy of TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A clinical review. Am J Psychiatry. 2022;179(5):455-462.
- Carpenter LL, et al. Comparing the side effects of TMS therapy and antidepressants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2021;82(6).
- Fitzgerald PB, et al. Long-term outcomes of TMS therapy in depression treatment. Brain Stimul. 2020;13(4):887-895.
