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GENERAL TMS QUESTIONS
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
It does not require anesthesia, and patients remain awake and alert during treatment.
What does TMS treat?
TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also used in patients with depression who may experience overlapping symptoms such as anxiety.
At New Chapter TMS, we also evaluate patients with:
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treatment-resistant depression
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anxious depression
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OCD
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PTSD
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other mood disorders and conditions
How does TMS work?
TMS uses targeted magnetic stimulation to activate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression.
By improving activity in these circuits, many patients experience improvement in mood, energy, and overall functioning.
Is TMS the same as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)?
No.
TMS is not the same as ECT. It does not involve electrical currents, does not require sedation, and does not cause memory loss.
Is TMS safe?
TMS is considered safe and well-tolerated. It is FDA-cleared for depression and has been studied extensively.
Patients remain awake and can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
What does TMS feel like?
Patients typically feel a tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment.
Some people experience mild discomfort at first, which often improves after the first few sessions.
Are there side effects?
The most common side effects are:
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mild headache
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scalp discomfort at the treatment site
These are typically temporary and improve over time.
TREATMENT STRUCTURE & TIMELINE
How long does TMS treatment take?
Standard TMS:
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36 treatments
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6–8 weeks
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less than 20 minutes per session
Accelerated TMS options:
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1-Week Accelerated: 36 treatments in 5 days
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One-D Protocol: 20 treatments in 1 day
What is accelerated TMS?
Accelerated TMS delivers multiple treatments in a single day so the overall course can be completed much faster than standard once-daily TMS.
How does TMS work?
Not necessarily. SAINT helped bring attention to accelerated TMS, but not every accelerated protocol is the same.
Do I have to choose accelerated treatment?
No.
Some patients are better suited for standard TMS, while others benefit from a compressed schedule. The right option depends on your situation, schedule, and goals.
How do I know which option is right for me?
The right fit depends on:
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your depression history
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prior treatment response
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your schedule and life demands
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how quickly you want to move forward
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financial considerations
EXPERIENCE & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
What happens during a TMS session?
You sit in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is positioned on your head.
The treatment delivers targeted pulses while you remain awake and alert.
You can return to normal activities immediately after.
Can I drive after treatment?
Yes. There is no recovery time required after TMS, and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately.
Can I use my phone or relax during treatment?
Yes. Patients remain awake and can relax during treatment.
Do I need to take time off work?
Not necessarily.
Standard TMS is designed to fit into a daily schedule. Accelerated options are designed for patients who prefer to complete treatment in a shorter timeframe.
Do patients travel for TMS treatment?
Yes. Some patients choose accelerated options because they allow treatment to be completed in a single week—or even a single day—making travel more practical.
RESULTS & EXPECTATIONS
When will I start to feel better?
Response varies from patient to patient.
Some patients begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, while others experience gradual improvement over the course of treatment.
What if TMS doesn’t work for me?
Not every treatment works for every patient.
During your consultation, we help determine whether TMS is an appropriate option and discuss next steps based on your response.
Is TMS a long-term solution?
Many patients experience lasting improvement in symptoms after completing treatment.
COST & ACCESS
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Standard TMS is often covered by insurance.
Accelerated protocols are typically self-pay.
> See Insurance and Billing
How do I get started?
The first step is a consultation.
We will review your history, discuss your goals, and help determine which treatment option is the best fit.
