Depression Treatment in Bridgewater, Massachusetts

How NeuroStar® Treatment Works

Our Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS Therapy in South Shore, MA, utilizes a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is utilized in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. While the patient is awake, the NeuroStar TMS Therapy stimulates underactive brain areas affected by depression.

Here’s What You Can Expect From A NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS) Session:

Before treatment

• You’ll be seated comfortably in the treatment chair.
• On your head, a small, curved magnetic coil will be placed lightly.

During treatment

• NeuroStar delivers magnetic stimulation directly to your brain’s target areas.
• A clicking sound and a tapping sensation may be felt on your head.

After treatment

• You can resume normal activities immediately.
• The therapy session doesn’t affect alertness of memory, so you can drive yourself to and fro.

Depending on the client, in-office treatment with NeuroStar TMS Therapy may take up to 37 minutes and may be administered 5 days a week within approximately 4-6 weeks.

Treating Depression

Depression symptoms are usually managed with antidepressant medications. These medications work best because of the increase in the neurotransmitter levels it provides to the brain, ultimately reducing feelings of anxiety and depression and inflicting a positive mood on the patient. However, this may not be the case for major depressive symptoms that require more than medication. This can be explained through the term “treatment-resistant depression”, which can be taxing for those experiencing it.

Moreover, since medications are taken orally, they circulate in the bloodstream throughout the body, more often than not presenting unwanted side effects, including libido and appetite changes, an upset stomach, dry mouth, and more. And this can be hard to handle for some.

For these specific patients, there are alternative treatment options they can avail of. Treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be effective and works best for people that do not take antidepressants because of health problems or the non-tolerance for its side effects.

Depression Symptoms

According to the standard diagnosis guide (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association, depression is diagnosed in an individual whenever they experience a decrease in energy or mood and a depressing feeling for longer than normal plus four or more of the following symptoms during a two-week period:

• Excessive sleepiness or insomnia
• Agitation, anxiety, and restlessness
• Significant weight loss or gain due to appetite changes
• Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every single day
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide ideation
• Feelings of excessive worthlessness or guilt
• Diminished ability to focus or make sound decisions

If you suspect you may have these symptoms, kindly consult a professional immediately.

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