If you are still searching for relief from depression after traditional methods such as antidepressants have not worked, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy may be your long-awaited solution. This innovative treatment is safe and effective if you have not had success with other methods. It is a drug-free and noninvasive alternative that works differently than medications by using your brain’s neuroplasticity—your brain's ability to adapt and heal over time.
To support this gradual healing mechanism, at The Holiner Psychiatric Group, we administer TMS therapy on a consistent therapeutic schedule. Let us guide you through how TMS treatments work and what to expect, including understanding the TMS therapy timeline.
Your TMS therapy sessions will take place at our office, and you will be in and out of your appointment within 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, we will place small coils on your scalp that will produce electromagnetic waves to reactivate the regions of your brain involved in mood control.
TMS is a drug-free treatment, meaning you will not need any sedation, and you will be awake for the duration of the procedure. This will allow you to continue your daily routine immediately after each session, including driving yourself home or back to work. Most people find that the quick nature of TMS sessions makes it relatively easy to fit within regular schedules.
While every TMS schedule will be unique based on each patient's individual needs, a standard course of TMS therapy involves sessions five times per week for a total of four to eight weeks. This evidence-based timeline allows your brain to gradually heal over time as it reawakens regions involved in mood control, forms new connections, and balances neurotransmitters. This results in a boosted sense of wellness and improved emotional regulation that could last through 12 months (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401).
Our team understands that this TMS treatment timeframe can feel daunting, so please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to ease your scheduling concerns. TMS therapy is a vital investment in your mental health and overall well-being that is worth the time commitment.
Everyone’s mental health symptoms are different, so how long it takes to start noticing symptom relief from TMS therapy sessions may vary. While you may experience an improved mood shortly after beginning treatment, it is more common to notice gradual relief as your treatments continue. You should notice meaningful results after about four weeks, with the most significant change felt at the end of the course.
Our team is here to prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the treatment process. Let us know about any mental or physical changes you experience so we can monitor your progress and ensure optimal results.
Understanding the TMS therapy timeline is the first step in preparing for your upcoming treatment. At The Holiner Psychiatric Group, our expert team is here to support you on your path to wellness by offering the tools to encourage your mind to heal itself. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation where we can determine the right timeline for your TMS treatments based on your individual needs.