Typically known by its abbreviation TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is often a helpful treatment for patients with depression that has not responded to at least one antidepressant. Depression symptoms can be unpleasant to deal with, particularly if they have not responded to your previous attempts at treatment.
This is where TMS therapy can help. Many patients who have not seen results with their initial treatment options find relief with TMS. If you are asking, “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatments start to work?”, our team at The Holiner Psychiatric Group is here to guide you and help you understand how TMS therapy works.
TMS therapy helps restore neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood. This is achieved by introducing short magnetic fields into the brain’s left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Once inside the brain, these magnetic fields generate gentle electrical currents that activate cells responsible for releasing neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. Patients experience varying timelines for when TMS therapy begins to work.
During your TMS session, your provider will place a magnetic coil against the upper left side of your head. You will remain awake and alert throughout the treatment and can resume your routine immediately after your session.
A complete TMS treatment plan typically consists of at least 30 sessions, several times a week, for two to three months. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes, and you can continue with your routine once you are finished. Every patient’s needs are unique, and your care team will let you know what you can expect before starting treatment, including when TMS therapy treatments may begin to work.
It is understandable to wonder how long it will take before TMS treatments begin to show results. Typically, TMS patients will notice changes in their symptoms after several weeks of treatment, and some may notice improvements around five weeks in. However, this may vary, as everyone’s symptoms and health history are unique. Additionally, TMS may also start to work at a different pace if you are simultaneously taking an oral antidepressant.
Even if you begin to notice your symptoms alleviating early in the treatment process, it is essential to continue with your sessions as recommended by your healthcare provider. Not following the plan or stopping early may eliminate the progress you have experienced or cause symptoms to relapse.
The goal of TMS therapy is to reduce or alleviate your depression symptoms. Some positive results you may experience include:
TMS patients notice symptom relief at different rates, depending on various factors. If you are wondering how long it will take before the therapy starts to work, the answer depends. Even if your mood improves more slowly than expected, the treatment may still be working.
It is understandable to want to find relief from uncomfortable depression symptoms, and TMS therapy has often helped patients who have not noticed a difference in their initial treatment attempts. Our providers at The Holiner Psychiatric Group are ready to partner with you for each step of your journey to emotional wellness. Our providers will answer any questions you have about your care process, including: “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatments start to work?” We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to feel confident about your treatment process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.