TMS

In depression, activity in certain areas of the brain is reduced. TMS delivers repeated magnetic pulses through a coil placed gently against your scalp. Over the course of treatment, these pulses stimulate the underactive areas and help restore normal patterns of activity. Because TMS works directly on the brain rather than through the bloodstream, it does not cause the side effects commonly associated with medication, such as weight gain, sexual side effects, or drowsiness.

TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder in patients who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medication. It has also received FDA clearance for obsessive-compulsive disorder and for depression with significant anxiety, although insurance coverage for these conditions is more limited.

TMS is not the right choice for everyone. We review your treatment history, medical conditions, and the other treatments you are taking before recommending it.

Treatment begins with a psychiatric evaluation. If TMS is a good fit, our office will work with your insurance company to obtain prior authorization, or provide you with a written quote if you are paying out of pocket.

Your first treatment session is longer than the rest. During this visit, we take measurements and determine the treatment settings that are right for you — a process sometimes called mapping. Once your settings are established, regular sessions take about 20 minutes.

A typical course of TMS is 36 sessions: five days a week for four to six weeks, followed by a short taper. You are awake and seated comfortably during each session, and most patients read, listen to music, or simply relax. There is no downtime afterward — you can drive yourself home and go back to work or your usual activities right away.

You will continue your current medications during TMS. We do not require any changes to your prescriptions in order to begin treatment.