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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a clinically proven non-invasive treatment for patients suffering from depression and OCD. One of the most widely used forms of TMS therapy is NeuroStar, an FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with depressive and anxious symptoms.
TMS therapy is a safe, effective depression treatment without the common side effects of medication. Although it has been shown to be highly effective, our patients often ask, “Is there an age restriction for NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments?” To find out if you are a candidate for NeuroStar TMS therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today.
The short answer is yes, there is an age restriction for NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments. TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for individuals aged 15 and older with depression. This means that, while the treatment can be highly effective for adolescents and adults with depression, it is not recommended for children under the age of 15.
For patients 15 and older, NeuroStar has shown significant success in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), especially for those who have not found relief with traditional antidepressant medications, allowing patients with treatment-resistant depression to explore this option when other therapies have failed. However, patients younger than 15 are generally not considered suitable candidates for this therapy due to both medical and developmental reasons.
Although TMS therapy has proven to be effective for adolescents and adults, it is not recommended for children under the age of 15. One of the main reasons why there is an age restriction for NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments is the lack of extensive research on the safety and efficacy of TMS therapy in younger children. Applying magnetic stimulation to the brain in the early stages of development could potentially interfere with normal growth processes.
Furthermore, the mental health conditions that NeuroStar TMS therapy treats, such as MDD, are typically diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood. While depression in children is a serious concern, it is treated differently than depression in older individuals. Many child psychiatrists and clinicians prefer a more conservative approach when treating children, focusing on therapy, counseling, and other pediatric-specific treatments before turning to TMS therapy.
Another consideration is the child’s ability to engage in the treatment process. NeuroStar TMS therapy requires patients to sit still for 20–40 minutes during each session, which may be difficult for some children to tolerate. In addition, children may find it harder to communicate effectively about their experiences with the treatment, making it more difficult for healthcare providers to monitor their progress.
While age is a key factor in determining whether someone is eligible for NeuroStar TMS therapy, several other factors may influence the decision of whether to pursue it as a treatment option.
For example, individuals who have a history of certain medical conditions, such as seizures, may not be suitable candidates for NeuroStar therapy. The presence of metal implants or devices in the head, such as pacemakers, deep brain stimulators, or cochlear implants, may also disqualify someone from using TMS due to the risk of interference with magnetic pulses. The best way to find out if you or your loved one is a good candidate—and to answer questions like “Are there age restrictions for NeuroStar TMS Therapy treatments?”—is to schedule a consultation with TMS of the Carolinas.
NeuroStar TMS therapy can be an excellent treatment for individuals aged 15 and older with MDD, especially for patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressant medications. So, if you have been asking, “Is there an age restriction for NeuroStar TMS therapy treatments?”, let us help you explore whether NeuroStar is the right option for you. NeuroStar TMS is not recommended for children under 15, primarily due to the lack of research on its safety and effectiveness in younger patients. However, qualifying adolescents 15+ and adults with MDD can benefit greatly from this treatment, especially those with treatment-resistant depression.
At TMS of the Carolinas, our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. If you are ready to pursue a non-invasive treatment option for better mental health, schedule a consultation with us today.
NeuroStar Indication Statement:
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
