For those struggling with depression, the time it takes to see improvement can feel tortuous. Traditional treatments can cause unpleasant side effects, be ineffective, or take too long to work. If you have tried antidepressants without success, The Grant Group may be able to guide you toward wellness with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy—an innovative treatment for depression that works when medication has failed.
TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic waves to balance regions of your brain involved in mood control. It is a multi-session treatment course that is clinically proven to be highly effective for treatment-resistant depression. Many people interested in this therapy wonder, “How long does it take before my TMS therapy treatments start to work?” Our dedicated team is here to help you understand the timeline of your TMS journey and help you get started today.
Along with how long it takes to feel the effects, another common question people have about TMS is: How long are the treatment sessions? TMS therapy sessions are quick—you will be in and out of our office within 30 minutes. You will be awake for the duration of your session—there is no need for sedation—so you can continue your daily routine immediately after your appointment, including driving yourself home or back to work. This makes TMS relatively easy to fit into busy schedules.
The number of TMS sessions required is different for everyone. It depends on several factors, including your medical history, individual needs, and response to treatment. A standard course of TMS therapy involves sessions five times a week for about seven weeks. We understand this can be a big time commitment, so please let us know if you have any scheduling concerns. It is important to prioritize your mental health, and we are here to help make TMS as accessible as possible.
Before scheduling your TMS sessions, you will meet with our experienced medical team. At this initial consultation, we will ask you questions about your full medical and psychiatric history, current state of health, and goals for treatment. We will then be able to determine your eligibility for treatment and create an individualized care plan for you.
At The Grant Group, your comfort and safety are our priority. This initial visit is a great time to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding the TMS process and timeline, including how soon the TMS treatment takes effect. We are here to guide you through every step of the process.
The speed of symptom relief over the TMS treatment course varies for everyone. While you may begin to notice an improvement in symptoms quickly, it is more common to feel a gradual relief as treatment continues. Most people experience a notable shift in mood after two weeks of TMS sessions.
Throughout your treatment process, we will carefully monitor you for safety and effectiveness. During this time, we ask you to keep us informed about how you are feeling mentally and physically—tell us about any mood changes or side effects you may be experiencing.
TMS therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for depression that can provide long-lasting results. How soon you feel the benefits of TMS treatment and how long those benefits last is different for everyone, although most people report significant improvement in mood for up to a year post-treatment (Dunner DL, et al. (2014). J Clin Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401). If you start to feel like the effects of your TMS treatments are wearing off, our team can schedule an additional session for you, so you can return to a balanced state of mind.
TMS is a highly effective way to manage symptoms of depression. This innovative treatment offers hope to those still searching for relief. If you still have questions, such as “How long does it take before my TMS treatments start to work?” reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation. At this visit, one of our qualified clinicians will explain the process and help you understand what to expect from the TMS treatment.