You may be feeling like your quality of life has decreased due to a mood disorder, such as depression, anxious depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. You may have tried traditional approaches, many of which rely solely on prescription drugs, but have not found adequate relief. The disappointment of trying multiple medications, coping with side effects, or feeling stuck in a cycle of trial and error can deepen your depression. It may leave you wondering if there is a more uplifting, sustainable path toward better mental health and emotional resilience.
At Cedar Park TMS, we provide a supportive environment to help you compare TMS therapy vs. medication and make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan. Since 2018, we have been providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, a noninvasive procedure aimed at giving individuals hope when medication and other treatments have failed.
TMS therapy works differently than mental health medications. It uses small magnetic pulses to target cells in the specific area of your brain that regulates your mood. By emitting the magnetic pulses to these specific brain areas, your brain cells become more activated. This can help you regain control of your mood and stabilize your emotions. Your TMS sessions at Cedar Park TMS are tailored to your particular condition and goals, ensuring a customized approach.
Each TMS therapy session starts with you seated in a comfortable chair. Your technician will carefully place the TMS device against your head. Once on, the TMS device will emit small magnetic pulses. These magnetic pulses will feel like a gentle tapping against your head. Over a series of TMS therapy sessions—often multiple times a week for several weeks —you and your team will track your progress and adjust your therapy as needed. This gives TMS therapy an advantage over mental health drugs, which need to be taken daily over many months.
TMS therapy is an excellent option if you are struggling with a mood disorder but have not found relief with medication or talk therapy. Our team at Cedar Park TMS will work closely with you to determine if TMS is suitable for you and create a personalized treatment plan. Benefits of TMS include:
You may notice improvement in your mood, energy levels, and concentration a few weeks into your TMS course. Although remission rates depend on the individual, a significant number of our patients stay free of symptoms for over a year.
When comparing TMS therapy to traditional medication, several key differences are notable. While both approaches aim to ease the symptoms of your mood disorder, medication often requires trial periods and dosage adjustments. Medications can also come with side effects, such as weight changes, sleep disturbances, or fatigue. On the other hand, TMS therapy directly targets specific areas of your brain without affecting your entire body. As a result, many patients experience fewer systemic side effects and a more straightforward path to emotional relief.
If you have struggled with multiple medications without achieving the desired results, TMS therapy can make a significant difference in your treatment journey. You may receive TMS sessions as a standalone therapy for your mood disorder or in combination with other treatments, including medication.
For some individuals, medication alone may never be enough. The large STAR*D study, conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, found that about 40% of patients with depression do not respond adequately to antidepressants—a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Most of the clinical studies that support the effectiveness of TMS therapy were conducted specifically on individuals in this category.
At Cedar Park TMS, we offer alternatives, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato (esketamine), to help these individuals pursue real, lasting relief.
If you have struggled with a mood disorder despite using medication, TMS therapy may offer a path to feeling more balanced and in control of your life. As you weigh TMS therapy vs. medication, remember that the compassionate staff at Cedar Park TMS is here to help you develop a treatment plan that feels right for your circumstances. With extensive experience in medication and TMS treatments, we can design a tailored treatment plan that fits your unique condition.
Call us today to book a consultation and explore how TMS therapy could improve your quality of life.
