Depression is still one of the most common, devastating problems in mental health care globally. Although antidepressants and psychotherapy are primary treatments, many people do not respond properly to these treatments. For those seeking a safe non-medication, non-invasive treatment for depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as an innovative solution offering new hope.
But what exactly is TMS? How does it work? And why is it categorized as a game changer in the field of mental health care?
What is TMS?
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is an FDA-approved, non-invasive depression treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain. It is used mainly for the treatment of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded positively to the traditional treatment. For many people, this therapy provides an excellent substitute to medications and invasive procedures.
During a TMS session at Texas TMS Center, an electromagnetic coil is gently placed on the patient’s scalp. This coil produces magnetic pulses that permeate through the skull and stimulate brain areas that regulate one’s mood – the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The procedure does not involve anesthesia and sedation and is painless. Patients are able to stay fully awake, alert, and comfortable.
How TMS Works for Depression
Understanding how TMS works for depression begins with how it targets brain activity. Areas like the left DLPFC are usually underactive in depressed persons. High-frequency stimulation by TMS assists in enhancing the activities in these areas helping in emotional regulation and mood enhancement.
On the other hand, when regions, like the right DLPFC are excessively active – as is the case in anxiety or some depression, low-frequency TMS has been applied in order to diminish
hyperactivity. This customized, region-specific stimulation is what makes TMS such a powerful non-medication therapy for depression.
In contrast to drugs that act on thewhole brain and body, TMS can be targeted and precise, hitting the neurological centre of depression without systemic consequences, such as side effects experienced by antidepressants.
TMS and Neuroplasticity
Another key reason Texas TMS Center recommends TMS is due to its impact on neuroplasticity—the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. According to repeated stimulations, TMS increases the communication in the neural system, increases the volume of gray matter, and improves the connections between important regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus.
Such a structural and functional brain enhancement provides a long-term relief of symptoms rather than provokes a momentary relief by masking them. It is one of the major reasons why TMS results in more lasting recovery than many of the established techniques.
Targeting the Right Brain Areas: The Science Behind TMS
TMS focuses on the Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) – an area of the brain which is central to executive functioning and mood regulation. But the ripple effect digs down. TMS also regulates the major neural networks related to depression by stimulating this area.
●Default Mode Network (DMN): Often overactive in depression, leading to rumination. TMS helps reduce this activity.
●Salience Network (SN): Helps the brain detect emotionally relevant stimuli. TMS improves communication here, enhancing emotional regulation.
●Central Executive Network (CEN): Involved in planning and focus. TMS stimulation enhances cognitive function and focus.
At Texas TMS Center, this neurological rebalancing is key to providing comprehensive care that improves not just mood, but also cognitive clarity and emotional stability.
TMS Success Rate Compared to Antidepressants
The TMS success rate is impressive—making it a preferred treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
Clinical Evidence Shows:
●60–80% of patients experience significant improvement in symptoms.
●60–70% achieve full remission.
●In contrast, only about 27–30% of patients achieve remission with their first antidepressant.
The STAR*D trial, the largest depression treatment study ever, revealed that the chance of success decreases with each failed medication. TMS counters that trend, because it normalizes abnormalities in the brain network as opposed to manipulating neurotransmitters.
Moreover, TMS is free from systemic side effects like weight gain, drowsiness, or sexual dysfunction—another reason it’s promoted at Texas TMS Center as a safe depression treatment.
Types of TMS Treatments
There are several types of TMS protocols used to address different clinical needs:
●Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Standard method, delivering rhythmic pulses to either excite or inhibit brain activity.
●Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS): Uses brief, high-frequency pulses to mimic natural brain rhythms—session time is just 3–5 minutes.
●Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS): Inhibits overactive regions, particularly helpful for anxiety or PTSD.
At Texas TMS Center, clinicians personalize the protocol based on the patient’s unique brain mapping and clinical profile for optimal results.
Safety and Side Effects
TMS is widely recognized as a safe depression treatment with minimal side effects. Most are temporary and mild:
●Scalp discomfort
●Tingling or twitching in facial muscles
●Temporary headache
●Mild lightheadedness
Serious side-effects like seizures are less than 1 in 30,000 sessions. Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy are not eligible for TMS. Patients are medically evaluated at Texas TMS Center before treatment begins to ensure suitability and minimize any risk.
There is no recovery period after treatment, patients can go back to their normal activities after every session.
What to Expect During a TMS Session
Here’s what a typical course of treatment looks like at Texas TMS Center:
1.Initial Brain Mapping: A psychiatrist uses advanced navigation tools to find the most effective stimulation target.
2.Treatment Session: You sit comfortably as magnetic pulses are delivered. Sessions last 20–40 minutes (or as little as 3–5 minutes for iTBS).
3.Post-Treatment: No recovery needed. You can return to work, drive, or continue your day immediately.
4.Treatment Course: Typically, 5 sessions per week for 6–7 weeks.
Patients often begin noticing improvements in energy, focus, and mood within the first 2–3 weeks.
Conclusion
TMS provides a reformatory approach to treating stubborn antidepressant resistant depression. With a high TMS success rate, minimal side effects, and a focus on treating targeted areas of the brain responsible for improving depression, TMS stands as a powerful, evidence-backed, non-medication therapy for depression.
At Texas TMS Center, we are proud to bring this advanced solution to individuals seeking
long-term mental health recovery. Whether you’re exploring your options for yourself or a loved one, TMS represents a true breakthrough—a safe depression treatment that can change lives.
