What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) is a highly effective treatment for depression that was approved by the FDA in October 2008. TMS uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to magnetic resonance imaging or MRI machines, to electrically stimulate nerve cells in small underactive regions of the brain that are thought to control mood in order to relieve symptoms of depression. TMS therapy is noninvasive and does not use medication so patients don’t suffer the side effects that often accompany antidepressant medication, such as nausea, weight gain or memory loss.

TMS Treatment for Depression - Los Angeles

You Don’t Have To Keep Suffering With A Depressive Illness

Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Yet 50% of people with major depression don’t seek treatment or help. Some think the feelings or symptoms will just go away and don’t recognize it as a mental disorder. Others don’t want to be prescribed an antidepressant for life. There are also some people who are simply too embarrassed to talk about it with their physician. But you should know that there are a variety of treatment options to help you—and some are non-invasive and drug free. There is no reason to continue to suffer with depression.

Depression Fact: There is no "one-size-fits-all" for treatment for depression because no two people are affected the same way. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you. –National Institute of Mental Health

Depression Risk Factors

Having a personal or family history of depression
Undergoing major life changes, trauma or stress
Being treated for certain physical illnesses
Taking certain medications

What is TMS used for?

Major Depressive Disorder

In 2008, the FDA approved the use of TMS therapy as a noninvasive treatment for major depression disorder. People suffering from major depression often have severe difficulty working, sleeping, concentrating, eating and enjoying life. Many individuals with major depressive conditions also struggle with the adverse side effects of antidepressant medication and treatment-resistant symptoms.

TMS Success Rates

Studies have found that TMS has an 82% success rate in treating people with resistant depression. On average, these patients have showed a 75% improvement of their symptoms and the severity of their depression.

Studies have found that nearly 50% of people treated with TMS remained depression-free a year after treatment.

TMS is a highly effective treatment alternative for patients who do not respond well to antidepressant medications or have treatment resistant depression, which affects approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of people with depression.

In general, TMS side effects are mild and improve shortly after treatment. Patients may experience a headache, irritation or discomfort at the treatment site, tingling of facial muscles or light headedness. Seizures or hearing loss may be a very rare occurrence.

TRD - What is Treatment Resistant Depression?

Treatment Resistant Depression is when an individual doesn’t respond to traditional depression treatments such as antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. Depression may be considered treatment resistant if a person doesn't respond to two different antidepressants from different classes. Roughly two-thirds of patients are not helped by the first antidepressant prescribed and one-third of patients will not respond to multiple interventions.