The Effectiveness of NeuroStar TMS Therapy

With the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in our society, it’s vital to find effective treatments. At Prime Behavioral Health, our commitment to individualized patient care drives our exploration of advanced treatment modalities. One such promising method we’re excited about is the NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Let’s delve deeper into understanding its effectiveness.

What is NeuroStar TMS Therapy?

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain. NeuroStar is a leading provider of TMS Therapy, which is FDA-approved for treating depression. The therapy involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the scalp near the forehead. The electromagnet delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of the brain responsible for mood control and depression.

How does it work?

NeuroStar TMS Therapy operates on the principle that certain regions of the brain can be activated or inhibited using magnetic fields. For patients with depression, specific areas of their brain may be underactive. By targeting these regions with repeated magnetic pulses, TMS can increase activity in these areas, potentially leading to improved mood and reduction in depression symptoms.

The Science Behind TMS

At the core of TMS is the principle of electromagnetic induction. This principle, first discovered by Michael Faraday in the 19th century, involves generating electrical currents through changing magnetic fields. In TMS, an electromagnetic coil placed on the scalp generates brief magnetic pulses. These pulses pass unimpeded through the skull and induce small electrical currents in the targeted area of the brain. These currents can depolarize or hyperpolarize neurons, leading to changes in brain activity.

Targeting Brain Regions

TMS therapy is targeted primarily at the prefrontal cortex of the brain, an area known to be involved in mood regulation. Dysregulation in this area has been implicated in depression and other psychiatric conditions. By stimulating these regions, TMS aims to normalize the activity. For depression treatment, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is often the target, as studies have shown it to be less active in depressed individuals.

Neuroplasticity

A key aspect of the science behind TMS is its ability to induce neuroplastic changes in the brain. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. TMS can enhance this process, helping to strengthen or weaken certain pathways in the brain. This is crucial for treating conditions like depression, where certain neural circuits may be underactive or dysfunctional.

Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms

Clinical trials and research studies have provided evidence supporting the efficacy of TMS in treating depression and other conditions. The exact mechanisms through which TMS exerts its therapeutic effects are still being studied, but several theories exist:

• Increased Neurotransmitter Release: TMS is believed to increase the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play significant roles in mood regulation.
• Functional Connectivity: By stimulating specific brain regions, TMS may alter the functional connectivity between different areas of the brain, promoting healthier patterns of brain activity.
• Gene Expression: There’s evidence to suggest that TMS can influence gene expression related to neuroplasticity and neuronal growth, further contributing to its therapeutic effects.
• In open-label trials, nearly 50% of patients experienced significant improvement in their depression symptoms, with about a third achieving complete remission.
• A large randomized controlled trial found that patients undergoing TMS were six times more likely to achieve remission than those receiving a placebo treatment.
• TMS has been shown to be effective even in patients who didn’t respond to antidepressant medications.

Safety and Tolerability

TMS is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment option. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require sedation and does not induce seizures. The most common side effects are scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation and a mild headache, both of which typically diminish over the course of treatment.

NeuroStar TMS Therapy Effectiveness

Recently, a NIMH-funded, randomized controlled trial treated individuals suffering from depression using the NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Patients treated in the trial were four times more likely to experience remission. For many, the symptoms of depression improved or disappeared within 4-6 weeks after treatment with NeuroStar.

Furthermore, TMS therapy managed to achieve long-term durability over 12 months. What does this mean for patients? After undergoing therapy sessions, the results remain steady for an entire year. After that period, you may need to undergo another round of therapy sessions.

Now, that may sound tedious to some, but look at it like this; for one month of treatment, you’ll receive an entire year of improved mental health. It’s an investment in your overall well-being; one that has profound results for individuals suffering from depression.

During this 12-month period, only 1 in 3 patients required maintenance sessions or ‘reintroduction’.

Treating Depression

We’ll discuss clinical studies and patient testimonials that highlight TMS Therapy’s success in treating depression, including cases resistant to medication and psychotherapy.

Beyond Depression: Broader Applications

Exploring TMS Therapy’s effectiveness in treating other conditions, such as schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders, underscoring its versatility as a psychiatric treatment tool.

Patient Experiences with NeuroStar TMS

Real-life success stories from Prime Behavioral Health’s patients will be shared, illustrating the transformative impact of TMS Therapy on their lives.

Comparing TMS to Traditional Treatments

A comparative analysis of TMS Therapy against conventional treatments, highlighting benefits like the non-invasive nature of TMS, fewer side effects, and its effectiveness where other treatments fail.

TMS Treatment

Individuals suffering from depression typically exhaust every treatment option over time. Medications, therapy, and natural treatments often do not work. Where antidepressant medications fail, TMS Therapy has become the go-to option.

According to guidelines from the 2010 American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines and NeuroStar TMS Therapy:
“NeuroStar TMS Therapy is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication at or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode.”
It works!

Benefits of NeuroStar TMS Therapy

• Non-invasive and Safe: Unlike other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy, TMS doesn’t require sedation, surgery, or any invasive procedures. Side effects, if any, are generally mild and may include headache or scalp discomfort.
• Outpatient Procedure: Each session lasts 20-40 minutes, and patients can return to their regular activities immediately afterward.
• No Systemic Side Effects: Since TMS is not a medication, there’s no risk of systemic side effects like weight gain, dry mouth, or sexual dysfunction.
• Tailored Treatment: At Prime Behavioral Health, our experts tailor the treatment frequency and duration based on individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient.

Who is it for?

While TMS is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder, its applications are expanding. It’s being studied for a variety of conditions, including schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. At Prime Behavioral Health, our experts can help determine if NeuroStar TMS Therapy is right for you.
NeuroStar TMS Therapy represents a promising and effective treatment for depression, particularly for those who haven’t benefited from traditional approaches. Its non-invasive nature, coupled with the potential for significant symptom relief, makes it an attractive option for many.
At Prime Behavioral Health, we believe in harnessing the latest advancements to offer our patients the best care possible. If you or a loved one is grappling with depression or other mental health disorders, consider exploring the potential of TMS Therapy.

Call Prime Behavioral Health for NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

At Prime Behavioral Health, we’re committed to providing innovative and effective treatments for mental health disorders. If you’re struggling with depression and haven’t found relief with traditional therapies, it’s time to consider NeuroStar TMS Therapy. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

TMS has shown significant results in alleviating symptoms of depression when medications and therapy alone are not effective. With our experienced, compassionate team, you can count on personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

Reach out to Prime Behavioral Health today and discover the potential of NeuroStar TMS Therapy in your journey towards improved mental health. Schedule TMS Therapy with Prime Behavioral Health by calling 817-778-8884! We take your mental health seriously!