Does TMS Therapy Actually Work?
If you’ve tried different treatments for depression and nothing has helped, you’re not alone. There are lots of people who try different types of therapies or medications without noticing any real change. If that happens, some doctors may suggest something called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS.
TMS is a newer treatment for depression that doesn’t involve drugs. For some people, it can be life changing. But how does it work? And is it worth trying? This article will explain TMS, how it works, and what the research says.
What is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to activate parts of the brain associated with mood. It targets the prefrontal cortex, which is less active in people with depression.
For each session, you sit in a chair, and a technician places a coil on your scalp. The device will send magnetic pulses to your brain. Each session is around 20 minutes. You stay awake during the session, and you are allowed to drive yourself home afterward. Most people receive treatment 5 days a week for several weeks.
The FDA approved TMS for major depression that has not responded to other treatments. It’s also been approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS is still being researched for other mental health conditions, but depression is currently the main use.
Who Might Benefit?
TMS is for people with treatment-resistant depression. That means they have tried at least 2 medications without noticeable improvement. TMS may be a good option for you if:
- You have had little to no success with medications or therapy
- You have had side effects that made it difficult to stay on medication
- You want a non-drug option
Doctors may not suggest TMS as the first option to treat depression, but if other treatments haven’t helped, it may be worth considering.
Does It Work?
For many people, yes.
Research has shown that about half of patients with treatment-resistant depression feel better after TMS. And about 1 in 3 of those people reported experiencing no more symptoms of depression after a full course of treatment. Some people go back for maintenance sessions after their treatment to keep their results going.
What Patients Say
Many patients say they started noticing changes after a few weeks of TMS. Some patients describe feeling lighter, having less brain fog, better sleep, or more energy. Some people say the changes are more gradual, and some report noticing a shift halfway through treatment. Not everyone will have the same results. Some patients may not respond, or they may only notice mild improvements in symptoms. But for many, TMS has helped them when nothing else has.
Pros and Cons of TMS
Here are some of the main pros and cons of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to help you decide if it might be the right treatment for you:
Pros:
- Drug-free
- Non-invasive
- FDA approved
- No serious side effects
- Covered by many insurance plans
Cons:
- Time commitment
- Possible mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment
- Not guaranteed to work for everyone
- May need maintenance sessions down the line
Is TMS Worth Trying?
If you have tried medication and therapy and still feel stuck, TMS is worth discussing with your doctor. It may not be the right fit for everyone, but for many people, it is the first thing to make a difference after years of frustration. It’s important to understand that TMS is not a quick fix. You’ll need to commit time to the TMS sessions. Most people will start to feel better after the first couple weeks, but usually 30-36 sessions are needed in total to complete treatment and get the full benefits.
Find Help Near You
Looking for TMS Treatment? MDDCare makes it easy to find clinics near you that offer trusted, evidence-based treatments. Visit MDDCare.com to search by location and get started.