• What is TMS Therapy^®?
  • About NeuroStar TMS^®
  • NeuroStar TMS Therapy^® — Unique Mechanism of Action
  • TMS Therapy^® – A Key Role in the Treatment of Depression
• NeuroStar^® Clinical Research
  • NeuroStar TMS Therapy^® — Proven Efficacy
  • NeuroStar^® Safety
  • Scientific Publications and Presentations
• NeuroStar TMS Therapy^® System
  • NeuroStar^® System Components
  • The SenStar^® Advantage
  • TMS TrakStar™ Practice Data Management Software
  • Setting Up a NeuroStar^® Practice
  • Physician Experiences with NeuroStar^®
• NeuroStar^® Service & Support
  • NeuroStar^® University Clinical Training
  • Patient Education
  • Practice Support
  • Reimbursement Support
  • Public Relations & Local Outreach
  • StarGuard™ Field Service Solutions
  • NeuroStar^® Providers
• Reimbursement Support
  • Coding and Billing for NeuroStar TMS Therapy^®
  • NeuroStar Reimbursement Support
  • Reimbursement Support Materials
  • Coverage and Medical Policies
• NeuroStar^® Resources
  • Recent Press Coverage
  • Recent Press Releases
  • Events & Exhibits
  • Medical Education Events
  • Press Contact
• Contact Us
  • Healthcare Professional Contact Information

TMS Therapy^® – A Key Role in the Treatment of Depression

After first line treatment attempts with antidepressant medications, patients are often forced to pursue more pharmacotherapy.  Few treatment options have been studied and approved by the FDA for use in patients who have not benefited from initial antidepressant treatment.  The STAR*D Study also shows that clinical effectiveness declines and intolerance increases with each treatment failure.

As Medication Increases, So Can Side Effects^1,3 and the Potential for Treatment Failure^1,2,3,4,

Depression Treatment Options:  Based on 2010 APA Practice Guidelines for Major Depressive Disorder.⁵

In 2010 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released the 3rd edition of Practice Guidelines for Major Depressive Disorder.  In these key treatment guidelines for practicing psychiatrists, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is cited as an appropriate treatment option for depression patients who have not benefited from initial antidepressant pharmacotherapy.

The following diagram illustrates the 2010 APA Depression Practice Guidelines options for the treatment of depression.

Several other organizations have also acknowledged the scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of TMS, including:

• The World Federation of Societies for Biological Psychiatry (2009)
• The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (2009)

The clearance of the NeuroStar TMS Therapy^® System now provides a new proven depression treatment option for patients who have not benefited from initial antidepressant treatment without systemic side effects.

Learn more about NeuroStar Efficacy

1. Trivedi, M. H., A. J. Rush, et al. (2006). “Evaluation of Outcomes with Citalopram for Depression Using Measurement-Based Care in STAR*D Implications for Clinical Practice.” Am J Psychiatry 163(1): 28-40
2. Fava, M.,et. al. (2006). “A Comparison of Mirtazapine and Nortriptyline Following Two Consecutive Failed Medication Treatments for Depressed Outpatients: A Star*D Report.” Am J Psychiatry 163(7): 1161-1172
3. Rush AJ, et. al.: Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D report. Am J Psychiatry 2006; 163:1905–1917 3.
4. McGrath, P. J., et al. (2006). “Tranylcypromine Versus Venlafaxine Plus Mirtazapine Following Three Failed Antidepressant Medication Trials for Depression: A STAR*D Report.” Am J Psychiatry 163(9): 1531-1541
5. American Psychiatric Association (2010) (eds: Gelenberg, AJ, Freeman, MP, Markowitz, JC, Rosenbaum, JF, Thase, ME, Trivedi, MH, Van Rhoads, RS).  Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, 3^rd Edition.