Nearly 30% of American adults have depression, a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and emotional symptoms. And for about 30% of those people, their depression is treatment-resistant — which means traditional treatments don’t provide enough relief.
The good news? You have other options. If you’ve tried depression treatments like therapy and medication but you’re still dealing with symptoms that interfere with your daily life, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Our team at Integrated Neurology Services offers TMS therapy at our locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, Virginia. This approach targets specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation to help reduce symptoms of depression effectively and safely. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and whether it might be right for you.
TMS is a completely noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in your brain. It’s particularly effective in addressing major depressive disorder when medications or psychotherapy alone don’t work well enough.
During a TMS session, we place an electromagnetic coil near your scalp. It sends targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of your brain that are underactive when you have depression, promoting healthier brain activity and improved mood.
Unlike some depression medications, TMS doesn’t involve systemic side effects like weight gain or fatigue. And because it’s noninvasive, it also eliminates the need for anesthesia or recovery time, allowing you to resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
Wondering if TMS could be right for you? A comprehensive consultation with our team is the first step. During your evaluation, we review your medical history, discuss your depression treatment journey, and determine if TMS aligns with your needs and goals.
In general, TMS is a good option for people with treatment-resistant depression. That means if you‘ve tried multiple antidepressants or therapy methods but you still have significant depression symptoms, it could be appropriate for you.
It’s also suitable for people seeking a non-drug alternative treatment or those unable to tolerate the side effects of antidepressants. Beyond depression, TMS is being explored for treating other mental health conditions, like anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD, expanding its potential to help more people achieve better mental health.
If you choose TMS, our goal is to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. You can expect each TMS session to last about 20-40 minutes, and you undergo a series of sessions spaced out over several weeks. Most people have daily sessions five days a week for 4-6 weeks, although this may vary depending on your individual needs.
During treatment, you’re awake and seated comfortably while the device sends magnetic pulses to key nerve cells in your brain. Some people report mild discomfort or a tapping sensation at the treatment site, but these effects usually diminish after the first few sessions.
Individual results vary, but many people begin noticing improvements in mood and energy levels within a few weeks of starting treatment. Gradual progress as you continue your sessions helps you achieve long-lasting benefits and reclaim your quality of life.
When other depression treatments fall short, TMS opens new doors. Contact us today to learn more about this transformative therapy and take the first step toward a brighter future. Call us at 703-313-9111 or request an appointment online now.
