Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to treat certain mental health conditions. Mental health disorders are directly associated with underperforming nerves in specific brain areas.

Reduced nerve activity results in fewer neurotransmitters, which in turn causes psychiatric disorders. During TMS, the pulses travel safely and painlessly through your skull and into a precisely targeted area of your brain.

The magnetic pulses stimulate electrical activity in the nerves. As a result, the nerves release more neurotransmitters, and your symptoms improve.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation does not hurt. Some patients experience slight discomfort in their scalp during the first few treatments. When compared to the numerous and potentially severe side effects of antidepressants (see left side in the image), TMS is significantly less disruptive.

Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS uses the NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy System. This TMS device delivers deep, repetitive magnetic pulses that improve:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Your provider recommends TMS for these mental health conditions when conventional psychiatric medications fail to improve your symptoms, or when you wish to take a drug-free approach to the treatment of these conditions.

The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy TMS device has undergone extensive testing. Additionally, over 5 million NeuroStar treatments have been performed since the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the device for use.

Real-world outcomes show that 83% of people with treatment-resistant depression improve after a full course of TMS treatment, and 62% go into remission.

While every insurance company is different and policy details can vary, most major insurance companies will cover or reimburse for TMS therapy if:

 MDD, or MDD with Anxious Depression

• You’re an adult who has been diagnosed with moderate to severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Your depression has not been relieved by at least 2 antidepressant medications (some insurance companies require up to 4 failed medications)
• You are not pregnant or nursing

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• You’re an adult who has been diagnosed with OCD
• You may be covered if your symptoms haven’t been relieved by at least 2 medications and psychotherapy hasn’t worked
• You are not pregnant or nursing

1. The patient sits comfortably in a reclining chair
2. The provider places a soft, padded, coil-like device against the patient's head
3. The provider positions the device so the magnetic pulses are aimed toward the treatment area in the patient's brain
4. Once treatment starts, the patient hears and feels tapping. No pain or discomfort is felt. Side effects, if present, typically disappear after the first few sessions
5. The patient remains awake and alert during the procedure, which may last up to 37 minutes
6. The patient returns to his/her usual activities as soon as the session ends

Most people need five treatments a week for 4-6 weeks. Though many people start feeling better in a few weeks, completing the full course of treatment produces long-lasting results.

The NeuroStar Advance Therapy system can produce results lasting for one year, but each person is different, and your results may vary. You may need to schedule a maintenance TMS treatment.

To learn if you’re a good candidate for TMS, call Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS or request an appointment online today.