It is understandable to want to know how successful a certain treatment or therapy has been before deciding to use it yourself. Knowing the success rate of TMS therapy helps you set realistic expectations and choose a path that fits your goals. Results are usually tracked with standardized symptom scales and structured check-ins across the treatment series.
Clinically, “success” is often defined as response (a meaningful symptom reduction) or remission (symptoms reduced to minimal or nonexistent levels) on validated depression scales. With NeuroStar TMS, progress is measured at baseline and at regular intervals, since improvements typically emerge over four to six weeks rather than immediately. The success of NeuroStar TMS therapy relies on focused magnetic pulses to stimulate regions in your brain that are involved in regulating your mood. You remain awake and able to return to normal activities after each session of TMS.
In a large real-world outcomes registry of adults receiving NeuroStar TMS therapy, 83 percent of patients experienced improvement after a full treatment course (Sackeim HA, et al. 2020. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277:65-74). For individuals who respond, duration of benefits vary but often last more than a year (Dunner DL, et al. 2014. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(12):1394-1401).
These data reflect outcomes from routine clinical practice rather than a single, tightly controlled trial, offering a practical view of what many patients experience with NeuroStar TMS.
Studies of medication alone show that with each additional medication attempt, remission rates tend to decline and discontinuation becomes more common due to side effects (Results from the STAR*D study; Trivedi 2006; Rush 2006; Fava 2006; McGrath 2006, American Journal of Psychiatry). This is a common reason non-invasive brain stimulation would be warranted.
Outcome is influenced by several factors: completing the full course (weekday sessions over about seven weeks, approx. 19 minutes each), consistency of appointment timing, optimization of coil placement and dose during early sessions, and collaboration with your broader care plan. Some people notice early mood or energy shifts during TMS therapy; others improve later in the series. Our provider will review your medical history and medications and set realistic expectations that fit with your wellness goals.
Your individual likelihood of improvement depends on your history, adherence, and personalized settings. We will explain how TMS therapy results are measured, what the NeuroStar data show, and how we would tailor your plan. Contact Chrysalis Psychiatry to schedule a consultation and review your candidacy.
