Brandon, Brooksville, New Port Richey NeuroStar TMS Therapy vs. Other Treatments

With so many mental health treatment options available on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed when you are navigating which is best for you.

In this article, we offer insight into the most common treatments for patients dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxious depression, including medication, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy.

Additionally, we present the #1-doctor recommended treatment, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy. For further details on treatment choices in Brandon, including NeuroStar TMS Therapy, consult the clinicians at Learning to Achieve Wellness today.

Prescription Medication

Medicine is one of the most common treatments for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and can include antidepressant treatments, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications.

Each medication can impact chemicals in the brain and can cause neurotransmitters to react differently. The chemicals from the medication have impact at the site of depression which can have a significant improvement in depression symptoms but it can also impact other areas of the body which can results in side effects. The advantages of medication include:

  • Provides effective symptomatic relief for some patients
  • Generally safe for patients when used as prescribed
  • Well-studied and tested in clinical trials

Taking medication does not always work, and can take 4-6 weeks to have noted effects. Sometimes medication can cause side effects including:

  • Changes in appetite and weight gain
  • GI issues such as constipation
  • Neurological issues such as hallucinations
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Suicidal thoughts

Side effects can be challenging and impact your quality of life. Medication trials can take time and money when switching to different medication and do not always have a positive impact.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is often a first line treatment for depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy can be coupled with medication and with NeuroStar TMS treatment to help explore causes of depression and anxiety and create goals to change the future:

  • No age restrictions
  • May offer patients the chance to improve their relational, social, and learning skills
  • There are no unpleasant physical side effects

Among the disadvantages of psychotherapy are:

  • Therapy does not provide symptomatic relief

Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment option for many. It is also great to couple with NeuroStar TMS and/or medication for best results. However, psychotherapy cannot fix chemical imbalances in the brain.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is a brain-stimulating procedure in a hospital setting that involves a medical doctor applying an electrical current to induce a controlled seizure in patients. This treatment causes changes in the brain intended to lessen the severity of painful memories and depression.

Among its advantages are it is:

  • Performed under anesthesia in the hospital
  • Safe for pregnant women during all three trimesters
  • Commonly used as a treatment when medications are ineffective or when patients are in a state of low function (catatonia).

Some of the disadvantages of ECT are:

  • Side effects include memory loss, nausea, headache, jaw ache, and muscle ache
  • Has to be performed in a hospital setting and often requires at least a one-week inpatient hospital stay
  • Not suitable for patients who are ineligible for anesthesia or have a heart condition
  • Requires at least an hour of recovery time post-treatment

While ECT may be an option for severe cases of depression and mania, it is generally a much later choice of treatment options and not generally a choice many people use for their treatment.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been in practice since the mid-1980s.

NeuroStar is the #1 brand of TMS therapy and is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxious depression. We offer NeuroStar TMS Therapy at our Brandon clinic and have seen a number of treatment benefits for our patients, including:

  • Safety: NeuroStar is FDA-approved, non-surgical, and non-medication with very minimal and manageable side effects
  • Rapid results: Patients can experience results as early as two to three weeks, but achieve optimal results after completion of a full 36-treatment sessions
  • Convenience: NeuroStar is delivered over 36 daily treatment sessions
  • No recovery time needed: Patients can return to their daily living activities immediately after treatment with almost no hassle
  • Nationwide insurance coverage: Over 300 million Americans have insurance that covers them for NeuroStar

Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Before you begin your mental health healing journey, consult a licensed clinician to ensure you take the most beneficial route. This article is meant to be a starting point to learn about the various treatment options available and should not replace medical guidance from a healthcare professional.

Discover if Brandon NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is the Right Treatment for You

At Learning to Achieve Wellness, we recognize that mental health treatment is highly individualized and that our patients need personalized care for their unique challenges. Meet with one of our providers today to determine what treatment options are best for you. We offer NeuroStar TMS, therapy, medication management, and Spravato.

If you are an adult in Brandon, New Port Richey, or Brooksville struggling with mental health and conventional treatment has proved ineffective, you may find hope with NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy.

Take the first step towards beating your depression by scheduling a consultation with our clinical team at Learning to Achieve Wellness today.