For individuals struggling with depression, OCD, or chronic pain, finding the right treatment can be a long and frustrating journey—especially when traditional therapies and medications don’t provide relief. Fortunately, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers new hope. This non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain, helping to restore balance and improve symptoms in people who haven’t responded to conventional approaches. In this blog, we’ll explore how TMS therapy works and why it’s becoming a game-changer for those dealing with treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and chronic pain.
In This Blog:
- What is TMS Therapy?
- TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
- TMS for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- TMS for Chronic Pain Managment
- Who is a Candidate for TMS?
- What to Expect During a TMS Treatment Course
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s typically performed in a medical office or clinic and does not require anesthesia or sedation. During treatment, a device with an electromagnetic coil is placed against the patient’s scalp. This coil delivers targeted magnetic pulses to specific brain regions associated with mood, behavior, or pain perception—most often the prefrontal cortex.
Unlike medications, which affect the entire body and can lead to unwanted side effects, TMS therapy acts locally, offering a focused and well-tolerated alternative. Sessions usually last between 20 to 40 minutes and are conducted five days a week over the course of four to six weeks. Patients remain awake and alert throughout, and most can return to daily activities immediately after each session.
TMS is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and research continues to support its use in other neurological and pain-related conditions. As a drug-free and non-surgical option, it is especially valuable for individuals who have not seen success with more conventional treatments.
TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression can be deeply debilitating, especially when it doesn’t respond to standard treatments like antidepressant medications or talk therapy. This form of depression, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), affects a significant portion of patients—up to 30%—who continue to struggle despite multiple interventions. TMS therapy offers a new path forward by targeting the brain circuits involved in mood regulation.
In patients with depression, certain areas of the brain—particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—are often underactive. TMS works by stimulating this region with magnetic pulses, helping to “wake up” neural activity and restore normal function. Over time, this stimulation can lead to meaningful improvements in mood, energy, concentration, and overall emotional well-being.
Clinical studies have shown that TMS is effective for many individuals with TRD, with some patients experiencing significant relief after just a few weeks of treatment. Unlike medications, TMS doesn’t typically cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or sedation, making it a more tolerable option for long-term use.
While not a cure, TMS has helped many patients regain a sense of control over their lives. For those who feel stuck or discouraged by traditional treatment outcomes, TMS represents a hopeful alternative backed by growing scientific evidence.
TMS for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can significantly interfere with daily life. While many people find relief through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication, others continue to struggle with persistent symptoms. For these individuals, TMS therapy offers a promising new treatment option.
TMS for OCD targets different brain regions than those used for depression—specifically, the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, areas linked to habit formation, anxiety, and compulsive behavior. By modulating activity in these circuits, TMS can help reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions.
In 2018, the FDA cleared TMS as a treatment for OCD after clinical trials demonstrated significant improvement in symptom severity for many patients. TMS is often used in conjunction with behavioral therapy to enhance results, helping patients better engage in CBT or ERP once their symptoms are more manageable.
Although results vary, many individuals with treatment-resistant OCD experience notable improvements in their daily functioning and quality of life. For those who have exhausted conventional options, TMS can be a life-changing addition to their treatment plan.
TMS for Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain is more than just a physical issue—it often involves complex changes in the brain’s pain-processing pathways. Conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines are frequently resistant to standard treatments, leaving patients in a cycle of discomfort and frustration. TMS therapy is emerging as a valuable tool in managing chronic pain by targeting the neurological roots of the problem.
When applied to the motor cortex—the part of the brain involved in movement—TMS can help reduce pain perception by altering how pain signals are processed. The therapy stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in pain modulation and mood regulation. This dual effect can be particularly helpful for patients who also suffer from depression or anxiety alongside chronic pain.
Clinical studies have shown that TMS can significantly reduce pain intensity in certain conditions, especially fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. In some cases, patients experience long-term relief after a full course of treatment, with minimal side effects compared to traditional pain medications or invasive procedures.
While TMS isn’t yet a first-line treatment for chronic pain, it’s becoming an increasingly attractive option for those who haven’t found relief through other methods. As research continues to evolve, TMS may play a larger role in comprehensive pain management plans.
Who Is a Candidate for TMS?
TMS therapy is typically recommended for individuals who have not found relief from traditional treatments such as medications, psychotherapy, or physical therapy (in the case of chronic pain). Ideal candidates are:
- Individuals with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded well to one or more antidepressant medications
- Patients diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who have not found sufficient relief from standard treatments
- People with chronic neuropathtic or pain conditions like fibromyalgia or migraines that have not responded to medication or physical therapy
- Adults aged 18 and older
- Those seeking a non-invasive, drug-free option
- Patients without a history of seizure disorders or epilepsy
- Individuals without metal implants in the head or neck area
- Those who are committed to a daily treatment schedule
To determine eligibility, patients undergo a thorough evaluation that includes a medical and psychiatric history, symptom review, and sometimes imaging or neurological assessments. It’s important to disclose any history of seizures, brain injuries, or implanted medical devices like pacemakers, as these may be contraindications for TMS. If you’re someone who has struggled with the side effects of medication or simply haven’t experienced lasting relief, TMS might be worth exploring with your healthcare provider.
What to Expect During a TMS Treatment Course
Here is what one can expect when receiving TMS treatment:
Initial Consultation
The first step in starting TMS therapy is an initial consultation with a psychiatrist or trained provider. During this visit, you’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to determine whether TMS is a good fit for you. A thorough physical and mental health evaluation will be conducted, and if you’re deemed a suitable candidate, a treatment schedule will be outlined.
Mapping Session
Your first official session is known as the mapping session, or motor threshold determination. In this appointment, the provider will identify the exact location on your scalp where the magnetic stimulation will be most effective. They will also determine your individual motor threshold—the minimum intensity needed to stimulate your brain safely and effectively. This ensures that the treatment is personalized to your needs.
Starting the Treatment Sessions
Once mapping is complete, you’ll begin the actual treatment sessions. Each session involves sitting comfortably in a chair while a magnetic coil is placed gently against your scalp. As the machine delivers magnetic pulses, you’ll likely feel a rhythmic tapping sensation on your head and hear clicking sounds. These sessions typically last between 20 to 40 minutes and are completely non-invasive—you remain awake and alert throughout the process.
Monitoring Progress
TMS therapy is usually administered five days a week, Monday through Friday, over the course of four to six weeks. Some patients may require additional maintenance sessions after the initial course, depending on their response to treatment. Throughout the therapy, your provider will monitor your progress, often using questionnaires or check-ins to assess changes in your symptoms and adjust the treatment if necessary.
After Each Session
After each session, there’s no recovery time required. Most patients resume their normal activities immediately. Side effects, if any, are generally mild and may include temporary scalp discomfort or a light headache, which typically resolve on their own.
End of Treatment and Follow-Up
At the end of the treatment course, you’ll have a follow-up evaluation with your provider to review your progress. Depending on how you’ve responded, they may recommend additional maintenance sessions, continued therapy, or other supportive strategies. While every individual responds differently, many people begin to notice improvement after the second or third week of treatment.
Conclusion
TMS therapy is reshaping the way we approach complex conditions like treatment-resistant depression, OCD, and chronic pain. By directly targeting the brain regions involved in mood, behavior, and pain perception, TMS offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that is both safe and effective. For those who have exhausted traditional treatments without success, TMS can be a powerful tool for reclaiming quality of life and restoring hope.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, OCD, or chronic pain and traditional treatments haven’t provided relief, it may be time to explore TMS therapy. Reach out to Whole Mind at one of our Utah or California locations to schedule a consultation and learn if TMS is right for you.
Whole Mind has locations in the following Utah cities: Brigham City, Draper, Ogden, Pleasant Grove, Provo, and Tooele, as well as Novato, CA.
