The Pros and Cons of TMS Therapy
You don’t have to live with untreated depression. There are real options. We can help you figure out if TMS is one of them.
If you’ve been living with treatment-resistant depression, you may have already tried several medications without success. For some people, traditional treatments just don’t work. That’s where TMS therapy—short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation—comes in. But is it right for you?
In this article, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of TMS therapy so you can make an informed decision.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. These pulses target the areas responsible for mood regulation—especially in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).
At University Place TMS, we specialize in Deep TMS, a newer form that can reach deeper brain structures compared to standard TMS. We focus especially on older adults and those whose depression hasn’t improved with medication.
Pros of TMS Therapy
1. It Works When Medications Don’t
One of the biggest benefits of TMS therapy is that it helps people who haven’t responded to antidepressants. Studies show that a large percentage of people with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement after TMS.
If you've tried multiple medications and still feel stuck, TMS may offer a path forward.
2. It’s Non-Invasive
TMS doesn’t involve surgery or sedation. You’re awake the entire time. There are no needles, no anesthesia, and no hospital stays.
Each session usually lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, and you can drive yourself home afterward.
3. Minimal Side Effects
Unlike medication, which can cause weight gain, fatigue, sexual side effects, or digestive issues, TMS has fewer and milder side effects. The most common is temporary discomfort at the site where the magnet is placed on your scalp.
Most people tolerate treatment well, even if they’re sensitive to medication.
4. No Systemic Impact
TMS works directly on the brain and doesn’t travel through your bloodstream. This means no drug interactions, which is especially important for older adults who may be managing other health conditions or medications.
5. Long-Term Relief Is Possible
Some patients experience relief that lasts months or even years after completing a course of TMS. For others, occasional “maintenance” sessions help keep symptoms under control.
Cons of TMS Therapy
1. It Takes Time
TMS isn’t a quick fix. A typical course involves five sessions per week for four to six weeks. That’s a significant time commitment, especially if you have a job, family responsibilities, or transportation challenges.
It’s important to consider whether you can realistically commit to the schedule.
2. It’s Not Covered Everywhere
Many insurance companies now cover TMS therapy for depression, but coverage varies. You’ll usually need to show that you’ve tried and failed other treatments first. This means more paperwork, waiting periods, and sometimes appeals.
If you’re unsure, we recommend checking with your provider or contacting our office. We can help verify coverage.
3. It Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Like any treatment, TMS is not 100% effective. Some people don’t feel much improvement, even after completing the full course. Others need a second round of treatment.
That said, it still has one of the best success rates among non-medication options for depression.
4. Mild Side Effects Are Possible
Most people tolerate TMS well, but some report headaches, scalp discomfort, or facial twitching during or after treatment. These usually go away with time or after adjusting the treatment settings.
In rare cases, people experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Seizures are extremely rare—less than 0.1% risk—but still a possibility, especially in people with a history of epilepsy.
5. You Still Need a Full Treatment Plan
TMS is one piece of the puzzle. It often works best when combined with therapy, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes. If you’re expecting TMS to solve everything on its own, it may fall short.
We take a full-person approach. That means working with you on a complete treatment plan—not just running a machine.
Who Should Consider TMS Therapy?
TMS is designed for adults with major depressive disorder who haven’t responded to at least one antidepressant. At<a href="https://www.uptms.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"> University Place TMS, we specialize in:
Older adults who may not tolerate medication well
People with multiple failed medication trials
Patients looking for drug-free or low-side-effect options
You should not receive TMS if you have metal implants in your head (except dental fillings), a history of seizures, or certain other neurological conditions.
What To Do Next
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of TMS therapy, it helps to talk to someone who knows the process inside and out. At University Place TMS, we offer evaluations to help you decide if TMS is the right next step in your treatment plan.
We’ll review your history, explain the process in plain terms, and answer any questions you have. No pressure. Just honest information.
📍 Located in University Place, WA, we serve the greater Tacoma area and specialize in personalized care for complex depression.
Request a Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us now. A member of our team will reach out to schedule a consultation.
You don’t have to live with untreated depression. There are real options. We can help you figure out if TMS is one of them.
