What Is the First TMS Session Like?

Starting transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy can be a significant step, especially if you're looking for relief from depression, anxiety, or OCD. TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment aimed at helping individuals who haven't achieved results with other treatments. At Serenity Mental Health Centers in Phoenix, AZ, we are committed to making your TMS experience comfortable, informative, and effective. Here's what to expect during your first session and answers to some common questions. For more details about TMS therapy for anxiety, depression, OCD, and more, contact our Phoenix location to schedule a consultation.

What is TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Often recommended when conventional treatments like medication or talk therapy don't bring adequate relief, TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, and OCD works by stimulating brain regions associated with these conditions. This targeted approach helps alleviate symptoms, giving patients more control over their mental health and opening doors to a renewed sense of well-being.

How is TMS therapy done?

Your first session will start with a consultation to discuss your mental health history and address any questions you may have. On the day of your TMS therapy treatment, you'll relax in a comfortable chair as a technician positions a magnetic coil on your head. This coil delivers brief magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. You may feel a gentle tapping sensation on your scalp, which is generally painless and easy to adjust to. TMS sessions typically last about 20 – 40 minutes, depending on your personalized treatment plan.

What are the benefits of TMS therapy?

TMS therapy provides a range of advantages, including:

• Noninvasive approach
• Minimal side effects
• Enhanced mood and mental clarity
• An alternative for those resistant to medication
• Convenient and time-efficient sessions

Does TMS therapy have any side effects?

TMS therapy is well-regarded for its minimal side effects, especially when compared to traditional treatments like medication. Most people tolerate TMS therapy comfortably, with only mild discomfort during or after a session. Common side effects may include a light tapping sensation on the scalp where the magnetic coil is positioned or a mild headache, which typically resolves soon after the session. Some patients report temporary scalp sensitivity or tingling, but these effects usually diminish over time as the body adapts to the treatment. Serious side effects are rare, making TMS a safe, noninvasive alternative to medications or more invasive treatments. At our Phoenix location, our team carefully monitors your comfort, ensuring each TMS session is as pleasant and effective as possible.

How long does TMS therapy last?

TMS therapy typically requires multiple sessions over a few weeks, with each session building progressively toward lasting results. While most patients don't experience immediate changes in mood or symptoms after the initial session, noticeable improvements usually emerge after 2 – 4 weeks of regular therapy. This gradual progress allows the brain to adapt to the stimulation, offering sustainable relief from symptoms over time.

What's next after your first TMS therapy session?

After your first session, you can resume your day as normal. Most patients undergo multiple sessions each week to achieve the best results. Throughout your TMS therapy, we will track your progress, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, and ensure you're receiving the most effective care possible.

Start TMS therapy

If you're ready to explore an innovative approach to mental wellness with TMS therapy, our team at Serenity is here to support you. Contact us in Phoenix, AZ today to learn more about TMS therapy for OCD, depression, anxiety, and more, and take the first step toward a happier, healthier mind.