FAQs
About TMS

While the overall efficacy of TMS is still being investigated, clinical studies seem to indicate that 67% of patients have a good response to TMS (i.e. get 50% better) and that 45% of patients with a good response (get 70% better). Typically these rates are maintained a year later. About 7% of our patients come back for re-treatment.

The largest TMS trials have regularly included patients taking antidepressants concurrently with TMS therapy. There are no apparent safety risks to patients who take antidepressants before, during or after treatment with TMS.

TMS therapy has been used since the mid-1980s in research settings to investigate the functioning of different parts of the brain. The first TMS device was developed in 1985 by Dr. Anthony Barker of Sheffield, England. It began to be investigated for use as an antidepressant therapy in the 1990s. Neuronetics, the makers of the Neurostar TMS device, sponsored a study in 2007 (O’Reardon, et al 2007) that showed the efficacy of TMS in treating Major Depressive Disorder. The device was eventually FDA cleared in 2008. A subsequent NIH study (George, et al 2010) largely replicated the industry-sponsored study (O’Reardon, et al 2007).

Since then multiple studies have shown TMS treatment is effective in treating Major Depressive Disorder. Other studies have also shown promising results in other psychiatric and neurologic disorders. In 2013, Levkovitz, et al published a clinical trial that led to FDA approval of the deep TMS (dTMS) device made by Brainsway. Since then multiple studies have confirmed the efficacy of dTMS. Other indications have been FDA cleared recently, including anxious depression and OCD.

Most other medications can also be taken before, during and after a course of TMS. There are some medications that can increase the seizure risk with TMS and these should be discussed with your TMS provider.

About 7% of our patients come back for re-treatment.