NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is a treatment for patients who present with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and major depressive disorder with anxious depression. This treatment could be ideal for patients who are unsuccessful with standard medication, who have struggled with the side effects of their medication, or who find themselves unsuccessfully switching between medications.
NeuroStar is quick and effective for treating mental health conditions. While it is generally safe for eligible adults, NeuroStar cannot be used to treat children, pregnant or nursing patients, or patients with certain types of active or inactive implants. However, after a six-week treatment course, NeuroStar has been demonstrated to improve symptoms for eligible patients. Contact our clinicians to learn if you have a condition treated by Tampa TMS therapy.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Commonly known as clinical depression, MDD is one of the most common mental health conditions that can affect up to 17% of the population. MDD is different from just being sad. A patient must meet specific criteria to be diagnosed with MDD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) advises that for patients to be diagnosed with MDD, they must experience depressed mood or a decreased interest that has caused social or occupational impairment, as well as at least four of the following conditions:
- Lack of energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Poor concentration
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Persistently low or depressed mood
- Psychomotor retardation or agitation
- Decreased interest in pleasurable activities
Like all mental health conditions, major depressive disorder is a result of abnormalities in brain structure and function. The brain regions that are impacted by MDD are the same areas that regulate emotion, mood, and behavior. Our clinicians could help you understand whether your condition is treatable with TMS therapy in our Riverview office during an initial consultation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is another common mental health condition that TMS therapy could help treat in our Tampa office. It affects approximately 1 out of 100 people. Patients experience intrusive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) or engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can be distressing, time-consuming, and even disabling. Patients who present with OCD experience significant impairment in their daily living activities, routines, and quality of life.
Like other mental health conditions, there is a relationship between OCD and poor brain functioning, which has been proven by brain imaging studies. Patients diagnosed with OCD generally have differences in brain structure and function compared to people without it, which is seen in regions of the brain that control behavior and emotional responses.
Major Depressive Disorder With Anxious Depression
According to research, up to 75% of patients who present with MDD also experience anxiety. Having both conditions simultaneously is known as having MDD with anxious depression.
MDD with anxious depression has commonalities with MDD, but it is also vastly different. Patients diagnosed with MDD with anxious depression also experience distinct anxiety symptoms that patients who present with MDD alone do not experience.
According to the DSM-5, patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxious depression also experience the following anxiety symptoms in addition to their clinical depression:
- Feelings of tension
- Uncontrollable fear
- Feelings of unusual restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating due to excessive worrying
MDD patients diagnosed with anxious depression, compared to their counterparts with MDD alone, tend to experience worse prognosis, poorer functioning, and an overall poorer quality of life. TMS therapy could be especially helpful for treating this condition, and our Tampa clinicians could help a patient understand their options.
How Does NeuroStar Help MDD and OCD Symptoms?
Patients who present with MDD and OCD have differences in brain structure and function, usually in the brain regions associated with mood, emotion, and behavior, that result in lowered brain activity. Not all patients experience relief with medication as it might not be enough to ease their symptoms.
While medication works to improve brain function from the inside out, NeuroStar aims to improve brain function from the outside in. It works to physically and externally stimulate designated brain areas to enhance activity. This TMS therapy treatment is performed at our Riverview office and is achieved by sending targeted electromagnetic waves to the brain through a special NeuroStar device to help patients find relief from their conditions. This technology is safe, effective, and has been used for decades in MRI technology.
With each treatment session, NeuroStar works to improve your brain function. As you complete the six-week treatment course, NeuroStar trains your brain to eventually improve its functionality on its own. As a result, you can experience long-lasting relief from your symptoms with NeuroStar treatment.
Discover if a Condition Is Eligible for TMS Therapy Treatment in Tampa
NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy can be an ideal treatment option for adult patients who present with MDD, OCD, or MDD with anxious depression. When medications have not worked, NeuroStar could be a medication-free solution for you to find relief from your symptoms.
NeuroStar is offered at our clinic by our highly trained and qualified medical specialists. Speak to one of our clinicians today to discover if you have conditions treated by Tampa TMS therapy. We would be happy to set up an initial consultation at your convenience.