The Differences Between TMS Therapy and Spravato
Choosing an advanced treatment for depression can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional medications have not provided enough relief. As a patient, you deserve clear, practical information that helps you understand how different depression treatments work and how they fit into your care plan.
For patients with treatment-resistant depression, understanding the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato can help you make informed decisions about your mental health. If you want personalized guidance, book an appointment with Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic to discuss which option aligns best with your needs.
How Each Treatment Works In The Brain
One of the most important differences between TMS therapy and Spravato is how each treatment affects your brain activity.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. At APC, our TMS provider and psychiatrist, Dr. James Davis, will provide TMS to you through a device that emits the magnetic pulses to strategic parts of your brain. The magnetic pulses essentially stimulate and activate parts of your brain that are lower functioning. The TMS process is noninvasive and does not involve any kind of medication entering your bloodstream.
Spravato, on the other hand, is a medication. It is a nasal spray derived from esketamine that works on NMDA receptors, influencing glutamate pathways rather than serotonin alone (unlike traditional anti-depressants). This biological distinction matters because you may respond better with this biological mechanism, compared to the biological mechanisms activated by traditional anti-depressants. At APC, Spravato is administered by our psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Celeste Lee, who will guide you through your treatment sessions and be physically present at every treatment step.
Treatment Experience And Time Commitment
Another key difference between TMS therapy and Spravato is what you experience during treatment. TMS sessions usually occur five days per week over several weeks, with each visit lasting about twenty to forty minutes. You remain awake and alert, and most patients return to daily activities immediately after.
Spravato treatment follows a slightly different structure. You receive the medication in a certified clinic and remain under observation for a period of time after each dose. Sessions occur less frequently over time but require longer visits on treatment days.
Your personal schedule and lifestyle commitments all play a role in determining which option fits more comfortably into your routine.
Who May Be A Good Candidate
When considering the differences between TMS therapy and Spravato and deciding which one to choose, patient eligibility often guides the decision. TMS is commonly recommended for individuals with major depressive disorder who have not responded to antidepressant medications but prefer a nonpharmacologic approach. Spravato is approved for treatment-resistant depression but works differently from standard medications, making it an option when standard medications do not work.
Important factors like your medical history, medication response, and overall health will influence your candidacy for each treatment. Our specialist care providers can help guide which of these is best for you with a thorough psychiatric evaluation.
Explore The Differences Between TMS Therapy and Spravato With Arkansas Psychiatry Clinic
The truth is that with advanced depression treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The differences between TMS therapy and Spravato demonstrate that each option offers distinct benefits, structures, and mechanisms that may support your recovery from depression in different ways depending on your needs.
At APC, we offer both treatment options, along with a suite of other excellent mental health treatments and therapies. If you are ready to take the next step and discover a new path forward, schedule your appointment with the care providers at Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic today. Our experienced providers at APC can help you compare options, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan that supports your long-term mental wellness.