Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

1. What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that is FDA-approved that uses magnetic pulses to activate certain brain areas involved in mood. TMS is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses when other treatment modalities like talk therapy or medications have not been effective.

2. TMS Therapy

TMS therapy is different from medication because it affects only the mood and emotion regions of the brain, rather than being based on distributed circulation through the body. TMS therapy is painless, does not require anesthesia, and patients may resume their usual activities immediately after a TMS treatment session.

3. How Does TMS Work?

A magnetic coil is non-invasively positioned on the patient’s scalp.

The coil sends repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive neurons in the brain.

Over time, these magnetic pulses help the brain work better to reduce the symptoms caused by depression and related conditions.

This process is known as RTMS (Repetitive TMS). The RTMS is safe, accurate, and highly effective.

4. Who Can Benefit from TMS?

TMS may be useful for people who:

  • Have treatment-resistant depression;
  • Have anxiety disorders or OCD;
  • Have not responded to medications or psychotherapy;
  • Want a non-drug, non-invasive option for mental health treatment.

5.Benefits of TMS Therapy

FDA-cleared and clinically validated

  • Noninvasive, drug-free procedure
  • Few to no side effects (typically only mild discomfort on the scalp)
  • No memory loss or cognitive deficits due to treatment
  • High rates of response, especially for patients who did not respond to medications

6. What to Expect During TMS Treatment

  • Each session will be around 20–40 minutes.
  • You will be comfortably sitting in a chair while the magnetic coil is positioned on your head.
  • Most patients require 5 sessions a week for 4–6 weeks, depending on each treatment plan.
  • You can drive, work, and do all normal activities right after your treatment.

7. Is TMS Safe?

TMS is safe. TMS is FDA-cleared specifically for the treatment of depression and it is an extremely safe treatment option.

TMS has virtually no systemic side effects, which can include weight gain, sedation, or loss of sexual drive caused by medications. TMS treatment may cause mild scalp discomfort or headache, but this usually subsides following the first few treatments.

8. TMS vs. Medications: What’s the Difference?

TMS: Uses targeted treatment of specific regions of the brain, is not invasive, has no side effects related to drug systems, and is one of the most effective treatment options available for patients with treatment resistance for depression.

Medications: Affect the whole body; it might take weeks until any benefit is observed; can have side effects such as sedation, fatigue, or weight gain/loss or loss of libido.

TMS treatment will prove to be a safe and effective option for many patients or a good option to work alongside therapy and lifestyle changes, which produce the best results.

Why Select Psychemd for TMS?

  • Experienced psychiatric team with expertise in brain-based therapies
  • Patient-first care—we are with you every step of the way
  • Comfortable and contemporary treatment setting

Integration with comprehensive mental health care, including psychotherapy treatments, medication management, and lifestyle interventions

We see TMS as more than a treatment; we believe it is a doorway to renewed hope, restored balance, and enhanced quality of life

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition, and have not found relief through traditional treatment, TMS therapy could help.

Would you like to take the next step? Call Psychemd today to schedule your consultation, and find out how TMS therapy can help you reclaim your life.

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