At Cedar Park TMS, we understand that you may have questions and concerns about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. Despite its growing popularity as a safe and effective treatment for depression and other mood disorders, there are still several misconceptions about TMS. These misunderstandings can prevent you from exploring a treatment that might greatly improve your quality of life.
Dr. Brian Earthman and our team at Cedar Park TMS provide clear, accurate, and evidence-supported information to help you decide if TMS is right for you. Addressing misconceptions about TMS is one of the main ways we empower our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed treatment decisions. Discover how TMS truly works to support your mental health and well-being.
One common misunderstanding about TMS that needs to be addressed is the idea that it is an experimental or unproven treatment. TMS has been extensively studied and strongly validated by clinical research. It was even cleared by the FDA in 2008 for treating major depressive disorder. Since then, the FDA has expanded clearance for use to treat other mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, and patients with clinical depression over the age of 15 can safely use TMS.
Since 2008, hundreds of thousands of patients have benefited from TMS, and ongoing research continues to support its safety and effectiveness. TMS therapy is a well-established treatment option—especially if you have not responded to traditional treatments, such as medication or therapy.
Another common misunderstanding is that TMS therapy is painful or uncomfortable. While some patients may feel a mild tapping or clicking sensation on their scalp during treatment, most find it tolerable. There is no need for anesthesia, and side effects are generally minimal. You can return to your daily activities immediately after each session without any downtime.
At Cedar Park TMS, depending on the specific case, we can also help pregnant patients with major depressive disorder access TMS treatment. Speak to our team today to discover if this option is right for you.
You may hear that TMS therapy requires significant lifestyle changes or long recovery periods. This is not true at all—in fact, for most, it can be seamlessly integrated into their calendar.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that fits easily into most schedules. Patients are only required to participate in a treatment program. Typically, you would undergo short treatment sessions five times a week for seven weeks, with little impact on your daily routine. Also, there is no serious downtime or cognitive impairment associated with TMS that would impact your daily living activities. You can even exercise or go to the gym following your TMS treatment. If you want to learn more about common misconceptions about TMS therapy, we encourage you to meet with our team so we can address your concerns.
Addressing misconceptions is important for you to understand this therapy’s true benefits and realities. By resolving myths about safety, comfort, and commitment, you can make effective and informed decisions about your mental health treatment options.
At Cedar Park TMS, Dr. Brian Earthman and our team are dedicated to educating patients and providing compassionate care. We offer various mental health treatment options, including medication management and TMS therapy, as well as treatment combinations. We can help you discover which one of our treatments or combinations is best for your unique mental health needs. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. Addressing misconceptions about TMS is the first step toward educating yourself and improving your overall mental wellness.
