TMS Therapy Explained: A Nonsurgical Option for Depression That Hasn't Responded to Medication
For many people living with depression, antidepressant medication brings real relief. But for others, one medication after another falls short, or side effects make it hard to stick with treatment. If that sounds familiar, NeuroStar TMS therapy may be worth exploring.
What is TMS therapy?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is an FDA cleared, nonsurgical medical treatment for major depressive disorder, designed for patients who have not gotten enough relief from antidepressants. Rather than working through the bloodstream like a pill, TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
How does it work?
During a session, you sit comfortably in a chair while a treatment coil is placed near your scalp. The device delivers magnetic pulses to specific regions of the brain. There is no sedation involved, and you are awake and alert the entire time. Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping feeling on the scalp.
A typical course of treatment involves daily sessions, five days a week, over several weeks, with each session lasting around 20 to 30 minutes. Because there is no sedation, patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and return to normal activities right away.
Who is a good candidate?
TMS therapy is generally considered for adults who:
Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
Have tried one or more antidepressant medications without adequate improvement
Want a treatment option that does not involve systemic medication side effects
Are looking for an evidence based alternative supported by extensive clinical research
A consultation with a psychiatric provider is the best way to find out whether TMS fits your history and treatment goals.
What patients experience
Because TMS targets specific brain circuits directly, many patients report noticeable improvements in mood, energy, and motivation as treatment progresses. Every response is individual, and our team monitors progress closely throughout the course of treatment to track how you are doing session by session.
TMS at Family Psychiatry
Dr. Mohammad Saeed and the clinical team at Family Psychiatry offer NeuroStar TMS therapy at our League City office, serving patients from Clear Lake, Friendswood, Dickinson, and across the Greater Houston area. If antidepressants have not given you the relief you were hoping for, TMS may be the next step worth discussing.
Call 281 554 0123 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation and find out if TMS therapy is right for you.
