TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific brain regions. It is most commonly used to treat depression that hasn’t responded to traditional medications, but TMS is also being explored for anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and migraines. By targeting the brain circuits involved in mood regulation, TMS aims to improve symptoms without the systemic side effects of medication.
For a detailed overview, see What is TMS?
The effects of TMS vary from patient to patient. After a full course, many people experience relief that can last several months to a year or longer. Clinical studies suggest that a significant number of patients maintain benefits for at least 6 to 12 months after completing their initial treatment series. However, for some, symptoms may gradually return, which is why ongoing monitoring and individualized follow-up care are essential.
TMS therapy, as a form of noninvasive brain stimulation, has emerged as an effective treatment for individuals with OCD, especially those who have not responded well to traditional therapies, such as medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Clinical studies report that patients often experience significant symptom reduction within weeks, with benefits lasting from several months up to one year after the initial treatment course. Because OCD is usually a chronic condition, ongoing or maintenance treatments may be needed to sustain these improvements over the
TMS is increasingly recognized as a viable treatment option for anxiety disorders and mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Many patients report symptom relief within weeks of starting TMS, with effects lasting several months, sometimes up to a year after treatment completion. Since anxiety disorders often have a recurring course, maintenance TMS sessions may be necessary to help sustain symptom control over time.
A standard TMS treatment course typically involves daily sessions over four to six weeks, followed by a tapering period with fewer sessions per week. Most patients complete between 30 and 36 sessions during their initial course. Each session lasts about 20 to 40 minutes. There are also accelerated TBS protocols, allowing patients to achieve similar benefits in just 5 days. The exact protocol can be customized to meet the individual’s needs and response.
Maintenance TMS is highly individualized. Some patients receive a single session every few weeks, while others may need a series of sessions over several days if symptoms return. The frequency is adjusted based on symptom recurrence, stressful life events, changes in medication, and patient preference.
There is no strict limit to the number of times a person can receive TMS therapy. Repeat or booster courses are considered safe and can be effective, especially if symptoms return after a period of improvement. Some patients undergo a second full course or periodic booster sessions as needed. The safety and efficacy of repeated TMS treatment have been supported by clinical research, particularly when guided by experienced providers, such as Dr. Peralta.
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Many patients experience significant relief after an initial treatment course of TMS, with fewer systemic side effects than those associated with medications. While electroconvulsive therapy remains effective for severe cases, TMS provides a less invasive option that can be an important alternative or complement to existing therapies, highlighting the unique benefits of TMS therapy in managing depression.
When deciding between repetitive TMS and deep TMS, it’s essential to consider the specifics of how each of them targets brain areas involved in depression symptoms. Both methods use magnetic pulses to stimulate neural activity, but deep TMS penetrates deeper brain regions, which may be beneficial for some patients who haven’t responded well to other treatments. While rTMS is widely used and effective for many, deep TMS offers an alternative approach that can sometimes provide better symptom relief, especially in treatment-resistant cases. The choice often depends on individual patient needs, treatment history, and how they respond to previous interventions.
Several factors affect how long TMS therapy results last:
