What’s TMS like?

If your psychiatrist recommended transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy because traditional treatments haven’t relieved your depression symptoms, it’s natural to have questions.

Does it hurt? Will I need anesthesia? Do I need to take time off from work?

TMS therapy is a noninvasive medical treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, helping relieve depression.

Our experienced psychiatrists at NYC Psychiatric Associates in Manhattan, New York’s Murray Hill neighborhood offer TMS therapy to help patients find relief from their persistent depression symptoms. 

If you’re considering TMS, understanding what to expect before, during, and after treatment can ease anxiety and help you feel more confident about your decision. Here’s what TMS therapy looks like. 

About TMS

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that delivers repetitive magnetic pulses to underactive areas of the brain associated with depression. These pulses help normalize brain activity and may increase levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Ongoing treatments may help enhance neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections that play an important role in improving mood and emotional resilience. 

TMS can help a number of mental health conditions, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• MDD with anxious distress
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Postpartum depression

TMS isn’t a firstline treatment. We only recommend this therapy when psychiatric medications and psychotherapy haven’t provided sufficient relief.

Your first appointment: evaluation and mapping

Your initial TMS appointment is the longest, lasting up to an hour. After reviewing your symptoms and treatment history, we map your brain to find the precise treatment location and best dose. 

You sit in the treatment chair while we place a padded helmet containing the magnetic coils against your scalp. We activate the pulses and adjust the coils’ positions to locate the desired treatment area.  

We then test different energy levels to determine your treatment dose. This careful mapping ensures your therapy is both safe and effective. 

What to expect during TMS therapy

Once we locate the correct location and intensity, your treatment sessions begin. 

Each session involves a series of brief magnetic pulses that feel like light tapping on your scalp.  Sessions typically last 20 minutes, and you stay awake the entire time. You don’t need anesthesia or sedation.

Most patients go back to their usual routine immediately following treatment. However, you may want to consider taking the rest of the day off after your initial evaluation and mapping appointment. 

Treatment plans are personalized, but most patients receive TMS five days a week for about six weeks. 

Does TMS hurt?

TMS doesn’t hurt. You may notice a tapping sensation during treatment, but most people tolerate it well. Mild headaches can occur early in treatment, but they’re usually temporary and resolve without medication.

When will I feel better?

Results from TMS vary from person to person. You may notice improvements in symptoms about two weeks after starting treatment, with full results developing by the end of the six-week course.

You continue psychiatric medication and therapy during and after TMS treatment. Because TMS improves brain activity, it may enhance the effectiveness of the more traditional treatments.

If your symptoms return, maintenance TMS sessions may help preserve your results.

TMS is a safe and effective option for individuals struggling with depression or OCD. Ready to learn more? Call either of our New York City, New York, offices today or click the “Book Online” button to schedule a consultation with our experts.