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What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy designed to support people experiencing mild to moderate depression, particularly when other therapies have not provided sufficient relief. The procedure gently stimulates targeted areas of the brain, helping to improve mood and wellbeing, while allowing you to continue your daily activities with minimal disruption.
How does transcranial magnetic stimulation work?
We provide TMS as part of a comprehensive approach to care, alongside other treatments such as medication and individual or group therapy. By combining these therapies, we aim to support improvements in your mood, daily functioning and overall health and wellbeing.
TMS uses highly focused magnetic pulses to stimulate neurons in specific areas of the brain that regulate mood and emotional wellbeing. Depression can cause certain regions of the brain to become underactive, particularly those involved in feelings of happiness, motivation, relaxation, social connection, memory, and learning. By targeting these areas, TMS helps reactivate neural pathways, which in turn encourages communication across the brain to restore overall function.
A course of TMS treatment can vary between 20 to 35 sessions, depending on your response to treatment and the severity of your symptoms. Your treating psychiatrist will discuss the ideal number of sessions with you.
During each session, you will be closely monitored by a trained TMS caregiver. To make the experience more comfortable and relaxing, you can listen to music, watch a movie, or speak with loved ones while the treatment is underway.
TMS is accessible through referral by your general practitioner (GP), who can help determine whether this therapy is appropriate for your individual needs.
TMS benefits
TMS offers a range of benefits, particularly when used as part of a broader treatment program that may include medication, therapy or other supportive care.
- Non-invasive and gentle: TMS does not involve needles, anesthesia or anything entering your body or bloodstream, making it a safe and minimally disruptive option.
- Comfortable and well-tolerated: While some people may feel slight discomfort during the procedure, it is generally not painful and is well-tolerated by most patients.
- Medication-friendly: TMS can be particularly helpful for individuals who experience side effects from antidepressant medications, providing an alternative or complementary option for improving mood and wellbeing.
- No downtime required: You remain awake and alert throughout the treatment, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately after each session without the need for recovery time.
- Supports overall treatment goals: When combined with other therapies, TMS can enhance improvements in mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life, helping you regain balance and wellbeing.
Our experienced TMS caregivers work closely with you throughout your treatment to ensure you feel supported, informed and comfortable at every step of your journey toward better mental health.