Have you ever wished for a magic wand to wave away depression or anxiety? 

While magic wands are still the stuff of fairy tales, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy might be the next best thing. 

Let’s dive into what TMS therapy is, how it works, and whether it could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. 

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive, effective way to treat the symptoms of depression and other disorders that don’t respond to other forms of treatment. It uses a magnetic coil to generate magnetic fields, which stimulate nerve cells in the brain, particularly the areas involved in mood regulation. 

Researchers believe that depression slows down neural activity in these brain areas. By stimulating these areas, TMS appears to lessen depression symptoms and improve mood. TMS is like a personal trainer for your neurons, encouraging them to get active. 

How Does TMS Therapy Work?

TMS therapy uses an electromagnetic coil to generate a series of pulses that stimulate areas of the brain involved in regulating emotions. 

During a TMS session, you’ll sit down in a reclining chair that’s precisely adjusted for your comfort. Next, one of our technicians will ask you if there’s anything you need to be more comfortable – a weighted blanket, a fan, a device to watch your favorite show on, whatever you need. 

Then, our staff will place a small electromagnetic device on your head, precisely targeting it for maximum effectiveness. The device will emit timed, regular pulses – some patients say it feels tingly, or like soft tapping on their heads. These pulses will stimulate areas of your brain that can affect your emotional regulation.  

A typical TMS therapy session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes; most people benefit from five daily sessions a week for up to six weeks. There’s no downtime, either. Once you’re finished with your session, you can go about your day. 

Is TMS Therapy Right for Me?

If you’ve been struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, you may be wondering if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is right for you.  

But how do you really know? Let’s explore the key factors that make someone a good candidate for TMS therapy. 

You’ve Tried Medications Without Success  

Many people who seek TMS therapy have already tried multiple antidepressants or anxiety medications with little to no improvement. If you’ve tried two or more medications without significant relief, TMS might be a great alternative. 

According to research published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, up to 30% of individuals with depression experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD), meaning they don’t respond well to medications.

You Experience Unpleasant Side Effects from Medications 

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can sometimes cause side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, brain fog or sexual dysfunction. Because TMS is drug-free, it can be a solution for those who want relief without the unwanted side effects.

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that 60% of patients discontinue their antidepressants within three months due to side effects. 

You’re Looking for a Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Treatment 

TMS is a completely non-invasive procedure, meaning there’s no surgery, no anesthesia, and no need for recovery time. 

Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which requires sedation and can cause memory loss, TMS allows patients to return to their daily activities immediately after each session. 

You Have Depression, Anxiety or OCD 

While TMS was initially FDA-approved for depression, research has shown it can also be effective for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

A study published in Translational Psychiatry in 2019 showed that TMS can help regulate overactive areas of the brain involved in anxiety responses. 

You’re Committed to the Treatment Process 

TMS therapy requires multiple sessions, typically five times per week for 4–6 weeks. While the commitment may seem intense, many patients start feeling better after just a few weeks. 

In a clinical trial published in Biological Psychiatry, 50–60% of patients saw significant symptom improvement after a full course of TMS. 

You’re an Adult in Generally Good Health

interfere with treatment, such as a history of seizures, metal implants near the treatment area, or certain neurological disorders. 

A thorough consultation with a TMS provider will help determine if you meet the health criteria for treatment.  

If any of the above factors resonate with you, TMS therapy might be a great option. With high success rates and minimal side effects, it offers hope for individuals who haven’t found relief with other treatments.  

Does TMS Therapy Work? An Example 

TMS appears to be effective in treating depression on its own. Traditionally, depression is treated with a combination of antidepressants and therapy. However, for some, this path isn’t effective, doing little to treat their symptoms.  

In these cases, TMS seems to offer a path away from depression. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine seems to show that TMS has a real effect just on its own.  

A Glimpse into the Study 

A recent retrospective case–control study delved into the effectiveness of TMS therapy as a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). 

The study compared two groups: 

• A TMS Monotherapy Group: 50 patients received only TMS therapy. 

• Combination Therapy Group: 50 patients received TMS alongside antidepressant medications. 

All participants underwent 20–30 sessions of TMS treatment targeting the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in emotional regulation. The researchers then measured the outcomes. 

The Outcome 

Both groups showed similar improvements in depressive symptoms, and around the same percentage of patients achieved remission. These results suggest that TMS monotherapy may be as effective as TMS combined with antidepressants when used as an initial treatment for MDD. 

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been hesitant about starting antidepressant medications due to potential side effects or personal preferences, TMS therapy offers a promising, non-invasive alternative. It’s like giving your brain a gentle nudge in the right direction. 

Stop Struggling in Silence: TMS Therapy Can Work for You 

Depression is bad enough on its own. It’s isolating, poorly understood by many, and shuts you out of the life you deserve. Worse, when it doesn’t respond to regular treatment, depression can feel truly hopeless. It’s the same for anxiety disorders  – they can feel like a prison you can’t escape from. 

TMS therapy is your key to the life you deserve. With few side effects, no recovery time, minimal discomfort and more, TMS offers you a way out of the maze of depression and anxiety that works.  

Best of all, it can start today. Reach out to Anew Era today to learn more. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive form of therapy that helps relieve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression and more. 

Does TMS Therapy Hurt?

No, and no anesthetic is needed. Some people who undergo TMS therapy report tingling or tapping sensations, but these fade with further treatments. 

Is TMS Therapy the Same as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

No. TMS therapy is completely different from ECT, a treatment that requires anesthesia and is only used in very rare cases. 

How Long Does TMS Therapy Take?

Most TMS therapy sessions last between 20 to 40 minutes. 

How Much TMS Therapy Do I Need?

This depends on an individual’s particular case. Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to make sure your treatment is tailored to your specific needs. In general, TMS consists of short daily sessions delivered over a four-to-six-week period.