What Is TMS Therapy? How It Works and Who It Helps
For many people living with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), medications and therapy bring real relief. But for others, the results are only partial or don’t come at all. This can leave patients feeling stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to turn next.
If you’re in that situation, there’s good news. A treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers another path forward. At Modern Psychiatry in Toms River, NJ, we provide TMS therapy to patients who have not found success with traditional care.
Understanding TMS Therapy
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a non-invasive treatment, which means there’s no surgery or needles involved. Instead, TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are linked to mood, behavior, and decision-making.
These brain areas are often underactive in people with depression or OCD. By stimulating them, TMS helps restore balance and improve the way your brain communicates with itself. This can ease symptoms and help patients feel more like themselves again.
How TMS Works Step by Step
Here’s what happens during a typical TMS session:
- You get comfortable – Patients sit in a reclined chair, similar to a dentist’s chair.
- The device is positioned – A magnetic coil is placed gently against your scalp.
- Magnetic pulses are delivered – The device sends small pulses to targeted brain regions.
- You feel a light tapping – Most patients say it feels like a gentle tapping on the head.
- Session ends quickly – Each appointment lasts around 20 minutes, and you can return to your day right after.
There’s no anesthesia, no recovery time, and you can drive yourself home.
Who Can Benefit From TMS?
TMS isn’t the first treatment most people try, but it can make a huge difference for people who haven’t found relief elsewhere. At Modern Psychiatry, patients in Toms River typically seek TMS if they:
- Have
major depressive disorder and haven’t improved with at least one antidepressant
- Struggle with
OCD symptoms that interfere with daily life despite therapy or medication
- Experience
unwanted side effects from traditional antidepressants, such as weight gain or fatigue
- Want a
non-invasive, drug-free treatment option
TMS is FDA-approved for depression and OCD, and it’s backed by research showing real improvements in symptoms for many patients.
What TMS Feels Like
Patients often worry that TMS might hurt, but the experience is generally very comfortable. The most common sensation is a light tapping against the scalp during the session. Some people experience mild scalp sensitivity or a temporary headache afterward, but these side effects usually fade after the first few treatments.
Many patients say TMS feels easier than they expected. It quickly becomes part of their weekly routine, especially since there’s no need to take time off work or arrange for a ride home.
Results and Expectations
TMS isn’t a quick fix, but many patients begin noticing improvement after two to three weeks of treatment. Some people feel their energy improve, while others notice their mood lifting or intrusive thoughts becoming less intense.
A standard course of treatment is usually
five sessions per week for six weeks, though your provider may adjust your schedule based on your needs. The benefits can last well beyond the treatment period, and some patients return for booster sessions later if symptoms return.
FAQs About TMS for OCD
Q: Is TMS safe?
A: Yes. TMS is FDA-approved and considered very safe. The most common side effects are mild and temporary.
Q: How is TMS different from ECT?
A: ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, uses electricity and requires anesthesia. TMS uses magnetic pulses, involves no anesthesia, and allows you to return to daily life right away.
Q: Will insurance cover TMS?
A: Many insurance providers cover TMS for depression if you’ve tried medications without success. Coverage for OCD varies. Our Toms River team will verify benefits for you before starting.
Q:
How long do the benefits last?
A: Results vary, but many patients enjoy lasting improvements in mood and daily function. Some return for booster sessions if symptoms reappear.
Why Choose Modern Psychiatry in Toms River, NJ
At Modern Psychiatry, we’re proud to make TMS therapy available to patients right here in Toms River. That means you don’t need to travel far to receive advanced treatment for depression and OCD.
Our team takes time to create a personalized treatment plan, explain each step of the process, and answer your questions. We also handle the
insurance paperwork so you can focus on your health, not the details.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been struggling with depression or OCD and traditional treatments haven’t worked, TMS therapy may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Modern Psychiatry in Toms River, NJ is here to help you explore whether this advanced treatment is right for you. Contact our office today to
schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward feeling better.
