Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the CEO, co-founder, and president of KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, California.

Beyond Medication: Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Combat Depression

As a psychiatrist, I’ve spent more than 16 years working with patients battling depression. While medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective for many patients, they don't work for everyone. Fortunately, there are several science-backed second-line treatments available for fighting treatment-resistant depression.

That’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) comes in. This non-invasive, cutting-edge option offers hope for patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. Learn how TMS works, what to expect during treatment, and why it’s an exciting alternative in the fight against depression.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It works by reawakening brain connections that become dormant because of depression.

Think of it as giving your brain a gentle nudge, helping it reconnect the dots that were lost along the way. Studies show that stimulating these nerve cells can significantly improve depressive symptoms, often with noticeable results in as little as a week.

At my practice, we use NeuroStar® TMS therapy because it’s safe, effective, and has proven benefits not only for depression but also for conditions like anxiety and PTSD. One of the best things about TMS is that there are no major side effects, unlike what many people experience with medications. It’s an excellent option if you haven’t found relief through antidepressants or regular therapy.

How TMS Treatment Works

If you’re new to TMS, here’s what a typical session looks like:

• You’ll come to the office fully awake and sit comfortably throughout the treatment.
• Your physician will place a small magnetic coil on your head, which targets the areas of the brain linked to depression.
• As the coil delivers magnetic pulses, you might hear a soft clicking sound, which is normal and harmless.
• The entire process is painless, and many patients even find it relaxing. Each session typically lasts between 18 and 40 minutes, depending on your treatment plan.

The downside is that TMS requires five weekly sessions for five to seven weeks. It’s a time commitment, but the results are worth it. Many patients begin to feel significant relief after just a few sessions, making TMS a faster-acting solution than some antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working.

Benefits of TMS Therapy

Some patients feel put off by the idea of stimulating the brain to treat depression, but TMS is incredibly safe and effective. I often recommend TMS because it offers several benefits, including:

• Minimal side effects: Compared to medications, the side effects of TMS are minimal, with no nausea, weight gain, or sexual dysfunction.
• No surgery or anesthesia: Vagal nerve-stimulating treatments require invasive implants and surgery. However, there are no implants or invasive procedures involved with TMS. You simply sit back and relax during the session and let the machine do the work for you.
• Quick results: It isn’t a guarantee, but some patients report improvements in mood within the first few treatments.
• Long-lasting relief: You might not need ongoing sessions after completing the initial course of TMS treatment. Many patients experience relief for up to a year or longer, although you can always return for occasional maintenance sessions.

Is TMS Right for You?

It’s tempting to skip traditional options like medication and therapy, but many people respond well to these treatments. Your doctor will likely ask you to try these treatments before TMS.

With that said, TMS is ideal for people who haven’t experienced relief with medications, CBT, or other first-line treatments. It’s also a great option if you have a hard time managing the side effects of traditional medicines or need a non-invasive alternative to surgical implants.

As a psychiatrist, I’ve seen firsthand how TMS can change lives. Many of my patients walk into my office after months or even years of struggling with depression, feeling hopeless that nothing will work. But after a few weeks of TMS therapy, they tell me they finally feel a sense of clarity and relief that they haven’t experienced in a long time. I’m not saying TMS is a cure-all, but it offers hope for many people with treatment-resistant conditions.

Hope Beyond Medication

Depression can feel overwhelming, but it’s treatable. If you’ve tried other therapies without success, don’t lose hope — TMS might be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for. Still, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to your mental health. Always pursue treatment with professional guidance. Don’t forget to embrace healthy lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, getting enough sunlight, improving your sleep, and eating a balanced diet. TMS is excellent for treating depression, but ultimately, your lifestyle should support long-term healing.