Candidates for NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Santa Monica

NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate and regrow neural networks in the brain. NeuroStar TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for the treatment of MDD and OCD and is considered safe for adults.  

You may be one of the eligible candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy in Santa Monica if you have a condition that is treatable with TMS therapy, can commit to a full course of treatment, and have no medical conditions that could lead to complications.

Conditions That Are Treatable With NeuroStar TMS Therapy

Individuals in Santa Monica may be candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy if they suffer from one of three common psychiatric conditions: major depressive disorder (MDD), anxious depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder, or MDD, is sometimes referred to as clinical depression. MDD is a serious psychiatric condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness that can lead to a general disinterest in engaging in normal daily activities. Neurostar TMS therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with MDD, especially those who have experienced no symptom relief after completing a full course of antidepressants. 

Anxious Depression

NeuroStar TMS therapy is also effective at relieving symptoms associated with major depressive disorder with anxiety, also referred to as anxious depression. If you have anxious depression, your symptoms of depression are exacerbated by excessive worry, fear, and feelings of dread or doom. Anxiety and depression can lead to serious symptoms and increase your risk of suicidal ideation if left untreated.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is another psychiatric condition that is treatable with TMS therapy for symptom relief. If you suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may experience recurring and intrusive thoughts accompanied by repetitive behaviors, all of which can disrupt your life and overall well-being. Studies have shown that TMS therapy used in conjunction with first-line treatments for OCD, including medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, can be effective at reducing symptoms. 

Our team could evaluate your condition to determine whether TMS therapy is right for you.

Committing to a Full Course of Treatment

Ideal Santa Monica candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy are prepared to complete a full course of TMS treatments. Because TMS therapy works to stimulate and grow neural networks in certain regions of the brain, it requires you to receive frequent treatment over a certain time period to ensure these networks have stabilized. A full course of NeuroStar TMS therapy involves a total of 36 sessions that are around 20 minutes each. Ideally, you would come in for treatment five times a week.

Having No Contraindications to TMS Therapy

There are a few contraindications that would affect your candidacy for receiving NeuroStar TMS therapy in Santa Monica.

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

One contraindication is if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the impact of the magnetic pulses used in TMS has not been studied enough to determine if it is fully safe for these groups.

Having Metal Implants and Implantables

Because TMS utilizes magnetic pulses, TMS therapy is not a suitable treatment if you have metal implants anywhere near the site of therapy. TMS therapy is also not suitable if you have pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or other types of implantables, as these may be affected by the magnetic pulses used in TMS. 

Having Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders

NeuroStar TMS therapy comes with a rare but serious risk of seizure. Studies of TMS therapy found that patients had a 0.1 percent increase in their risk of seizure. Because of this rare risk of TMS, if you have epilepsy or other seizure disorders, you may not be a candidate for NeuroStar TMS therapy. 

If you have any questions or concerns about TMS therapy, schedule a consultation with our team.

Call Us Today To See If You Are a Candidate For NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Santa Monica 

NeuroStar TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment for certain psychiatric conditions and has been proven effective for many patients. If you suffer from major depressive disorder, anxious depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, NeuroStar therapy may help relieve your symptoms and help you return to your regular everyday routine.

However, NeuroStar TMS therapy is not right for everyone. To learn more about potential candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy in Santa Monica, call our office today. 

Adult Indications for Use

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.

Important Safety Information

The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy should not be used with patients who have non-removable conductive metal in or near the head. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy has not been studied in patients who have not received prior antidepressant treatment.