Many individuals struggling with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) face challenges in finding an effective treatment. Viking Psychiatry offers NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy as a non-invasive option for patients seeking alternatives to medication, psychotherapy, or other treatments. Understanding how NeuroStar TMS therapy compares to these treatments can help you make an informed decision about your mental health care.
NeuroStar TMS therapy is an innovative, FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and an adjunct therapy for OCD. Using targeted magnetic pulses, TMS stimulates nerve cells in the brain that regulate mood.
At Viking Psychiatry, we offer this non-invasive therapy in our Fort Wayne office without the need for anesthesia or sedation. Patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after each session. While results typically take 7 weeks, many experience lasting symptom relief.
Antidepressants are often the first treatment prescribed for depression and anxiety-related conditions. While some patients find relief, others experience limited improvement or distressing side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, research shows that for patients who have tried three or more antidepressants, the remission rate is only seven percent (Results from the STAR*D study, medication attempts (n=4,041), Trivedi (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Rush (2006), Am J Psychiatry | Fava (2006), Am J Psychiatry).
For patients who have not found success with medications, NeuroStar TMS therapy offers an alternative by directly stimulating brain activity without causing systemic side effects of medications. A real-world study found that 83% of patients treated with NeuroStar TMS therapy experienced an improvement in their symptoms (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J Affect Disord, 277:65-74. Based on a real-world, retrospective study using CGI-S and a sample size of 615 patients).
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is a valuable tool in managing depression and anxiety. However, some patients find progress slow, particularly if symptoms are severe or they struggle to engage during depressive episodes.
NeuroStar TMS therapy can complement talk therapy by improving mood and cognitive function, making it easier to participate in counseling. Many of our patients at Viking Psychiatry find that combining TMS with ongoing therapy leads to greater overall improvement in their mental health.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a more invasive treatment for patients with severe depression who have not responded to medications or traditional therapy. Although effective, ECT has certain drawbacks, including memory loss, the need for anesthesia, and a risk of cognitive impairment.
In contrast to ECT, NeuroStar TMS therapy is not invasive. At Viking Psychiatry in Fort Wayne, our patients prefer NeuroStar TMS as a treatment option because it is well-tolerated, and it fits into their daily routine.
Some patients explore alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, or lifestyle changes to manage depression. While these methods may offer temporary symptom relief, they are not always supported by strong clinical evidence.
NeuroStar TMS therapy, on the other hand, is backed by solid research and has been used in over 6.9 million treatments on more than 188,000 patients. It provides a scientifically validated, effective option for patients in Fort Wayne who have not found relief with other approaches.
At Viking Psychiatry, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in Fort Wayne. Our specialists are trained in NeuroStar TMS therapy and tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of our patients.
Many of our patients report improvements in mood, energy levels, and overall well-being following treatment. We understand that seeking a new treatment can feel overwhelming, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
If you have struggled with medication side effects, limited success with psychotherapy, or frustration with other treatments, NeuroStar TMS therapy at Viking Psychiatry may be a solution for you.
With no systemic side effects of medications, no required downtime, and a strong track record of success, TMS therapy is an option worth exploring. To learn more or schedule a consultation at our Fort Wayne office, contact Viking Psychiatry today. Let our experienced team help you take the next step toward improved mental health and understand more about Fort Wayne NeuroStar TMS therapy vs other treatments.
Adult Indications for Use
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).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
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 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).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
