NeuroStar TMS Therapy FAQs — The Schulte Institute, Scottsdale, AZ
When your Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or anxious depression has not responded to medication or psychotherapy, NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy may be the next step in your care. Because TMS is a non-traditional treatment, it is natural to have questions before moving forward. At The Schulte Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, we want you to feel fully informed and confident before beginning treatment. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about NeuroStar TMS Therapy in Scottsdale.
Request an AppointmentYour NeuroStar TMS Questions Answered
How does NeuroStar TMS Therapy work?
NeuroStar TMS treats depression by delivering focused electromagnetic pulses through the scalp to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain regions responsible for mood regulation — particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These pulses activate dormant synaptic connections, gradually training the brain to sustain higher, more balanced levels of neural activity on its own. Unlike antidepressants, which work by chemically altering neurotransmitter levels throughout the entire body, TMS is entirely localized and non-systemic — it only affects the targeted brain tissue directly beneath the treatment coil. For a detailed breakdown of the treatment process, visit our How It Works page.
What are the benefits of TMS Therapy?
NeuroStar TMS therapy offers a number of clinically meaningful advantages over traditional depression treatments. It is non-invasive and requires no medication, surgery, or anesthesia. Because it is non-systemic, it does not cause the weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, sedation, or GI distress commonly associated with antidepressants. Treatment is precisely targeted to the specific brain regions involved in your condition. There is no recovery time — you are fully awake throughout each session and can drive yourself home and return to work immediately afterward. In the largest real-world outcomes registry for TMS, 83% of patients experienced measurable symptom relief and 62% achieved full remission. Results have been shown to last up to 12 months. To understand more about the advantages of NeuroStar specifically, visit our Why NeuroStar TMS page.
Am I a good candidate for NeuroStar TMS Therapy?
You may be a strong candidate for NeuroStar TMS if you have been diagnosed with MDD, OCD, or anxious depression and have not achieved meaningful improvement from antidepressant medications. NeuroStar is also FDA-approved as an adjunct treatment for adolescents ages 15 to 21 with MDD. TMS may not be appropriate if you have a history of seizures, non-removable conductive metal in or near your head, or certain implanted devices such as pacemakers or cochlear implants. The recommended treatment course involves five sessions per week for seven weeks — approximately 36 sessions — so your schedule and availability will also be considered. Contact The Schulte Institute at (480) 941-9004 to schedule a candidacy consultation. For a full overview, visit our Candidates page.
What conditions does NeuroStar TMS treat?
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents ages 15 to 21, depression with comorbid anxiety symptoms in adults, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults. At The Schulte Institute, we also offer off-label TMS for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, bipolar depression, and cognitive impairment associated with dementia. For a detailed breakdown of each condition we treat, visit our Conditions Treated page and our TMS Off-Label page.
How long does it take before NeuroStar TMS starts working, and how long do results last?
Every patient responds differently to TMS therapy. Most patients at The Schulte Institute begin to notice a gradual improvement in mood, energy, and emotional balance within the first four to six weeks of consistent treatment — though some notice subtle shifts earlier. Completing the full recommended course of treatment — 36 sessions over seven weeks — is strongly encouraged to achieve the most significant and lasting results. Clinical data show that NeuroStar TMS results last up to 12 months, making it a durable treatment option for patients who have experienced diminishing returns from repeated antidepressant trials.
What are the side effects of TMS Therapy, and is it safe?
NeuroStar TMS has an excellent safety profile with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort at or near the treatment site on the scalp — such as a tapping, tingling, or mild pressure sensation — which typically resolves within the first week of treatment. Less common side effects may include mild headaches, facial muscle twitches during treatment, or mild toothache-like sensations. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS — less than 0.1% per patient. TMS should not be used in patients with non-removable conductive metal in or near the head, active or inactive implants such as deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, or vagus nerve stimulators, or a pacemaker. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy, TMS carries no risk of cognitive impairment or memory loss. If you experience any discomfort during a session, let your provider know — the device parameters can be adjusted to improve comfort at any time.
Do NeuroStar TMS treatments hurt?
For most patients, NeuroStar TMS sessions are well tolerated. You may feel a tapping, tingling, or light pressure sensation on your scalp at the treatment site during sessions — particularly in the first week. This is a normal part of the treatment process and typically diminishes as you continue. Mild headaches or scalp discomfort at the treatment site are the most commonly reported side effects. If the sensation is uncomfortable at any point, simply let your provider know and the treatment parameters can be adjusted immediately. The vast majority of patients at The Schulte Institute complete their full course of treatment without significant discomfort.
