As you look for the right course of treatment for your major depressive disorder (MDD), you will hear about
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. TMS is a non-invasive treatment option that uses magnetic fields to stimulate new activity in underperforming regions of your brain. This targets your MDD at the source—the emotional regulation centers of your brain—and can provide symptom relief even if you experience treatment-resistant depression.
The main question you may ask on learning about TMS is, “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatment starts to work?” This is a valid question. Just like treating your MDD with medication, TMS does not offer instant results—it takes a little time to deliver the results you are seeking.
When You Can Expect Results With TMS Therapy
After you begin your TMS treatment, you can expect to notice improvements in your MDD symptoms within a few weeks. This may vary from patient to patient, as everyone is different—some will respond more readily, while others may need a few more sessions before starting to experience symptom relief.
This timeline is based on following the full course of treatment, which usually includes daily sessions for between four and six weeks. It also depends on your unique needs and how you respond to TMS therapy.
Signs That Your TMS Therapy Is Working
You may find that your symptoms do not feel any different during the first few weeks of treatment. It is important to pay attention to the small things as you begin TMS therapy, such as a return of your sense of humor while going about your day-to-day activities. As you progress through your treatment plan, you will notice more and more improvement. While each individual change may seem small, when combined, they will show that you are overcoming your depression. You may find that you:
- Have more energy
- Are enjoying activities again
- Are more present and in the moment
- Are discovering more things that bring you joy
- Have an improved, brighter, and more hopeful outlook
- Are better able to plan, manage, and accomplish the tasks that matter to you
As you continue your treatment, these signs will help you recognize when your TMS therapy is working and improving your symptoms.
How Long Can Your TMS Therapy Results Last?
As well as understanding how quickly TMS therapy can take effect, you will also want to consider how long the results of TMS treatment can last. TMS provides effective results, with some people experiencing the benefits for up to or even over a year, but these results may vary from person to person.
If you notice your MDD symptoms beginning to return, you can have another round of TMS therapy. This second treatment regimen will be similar to the first, except our skilled team will already know what settings work best for you. You will have to follow another full treatment plan, but the relief from your MDD symptoms is worth it.
Contact Us Today To Start Experiencing MDD Relief With TMS Therapy
While TMS therapy may take a few weeks to work, you will be happy with the results. Your health and well-being are too important to rush into a treatment option. If you are still wondering about TMS therapy, including “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatment starts to work?”, our skilled team is here to answer your questions and guide you to the right plan for overcoming your MDD.
Reach out and schedule your consultation today to learn how TMS therapy may be the right choice for you.
