Conditions Treated With TMS Therapy

Unsure As To What Conditions TMS Can Treat? We Can Help!

TMS therapy is FDA-approved for depression and OCD, and research shows promising results for several other mental health conditions. In fact, many TMS providers treat both FDA-approved and off-label conditions treated with TMS with amazing results.

Check out the 14 conditions we've identified below to see if insurance might cover your TMS therapy treatment. We'll be sure to proactively review and update this page as TMS is evaluated for other conditions and purposes as well. 

Since research and medical practices continue to evolve, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare provider or psychiatrist to get the most up-to-date and accurate information about TMS therapy and its potential benefits for specific conditions.

Adolescent Depression

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

While not currently approved for adolescent or teen depression, many physicians have begun using TMS as a safe and effective treatment alternative for their pediatric patients. Unlike medications, TMS does not cause undesired systemic or dangerous side effects like suicidal thoughts. TMS is a more holistic approach that many physicians believe is a safer treatment option for both pediatric and adult patients.

At present, TMS is not generally covered by insurance for patients below the age of 18. In 2020, a few major insurance plans revised their criteria for coverage to include the age of 17 and older. In nearly all cases, prior authorization from your insurance will be required for your child under the age of 18 to receive TMS therapy. In some situations, when your insurance denies a prior authorization, your child’s doctor may appeal the denial and present a strong case for the use of TMS.

 Although rare, insurance companies have approved appealed cases, therefore, it is worth the effort on your child’s behalf to file an appeal. If all else fails, it is recommended that you contact more than one TMS clinic in your area to check their current pricing when paying out-of-pocket.

TMS Therapy for ADHD

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric condition found in children and adolescents that persists throughout adulthood. Medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are the primary treatments prescribed to manage the symptoms of ADHD symptoms. Unfortunately, psychostimulants, while they can be effective, are often not prescribed because they can cause a loss of appetite and weight, cause alterations in cardiovascular function; and even cause sudden death due to structural heart disease. This has prompted the consideration of other ways to treat patients diagnosed with ADHD.

A study using deep transcranial magnetic stimulation determined that deep TMS may be an effective treatment for the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study had 53 participants who were separated into three groups: dTMS (deep TMS), rTMS (repetitive TMS), and placebo TMS. The participants’ responses to TMS were tracked using the Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). Of the patients who had dTMS, 33% had a 30% or higher drop in their CAARS score.

The study concluded that dTMS therapy could be an effective treatment for ADHD. More studies will need to be conducted. But so far, the results are promising. Since ADHD medications can cause so many undesired side effects, TMS may be a great drug-free option for those with ADHD.

TMS Therapy for Autism

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

While more research needs to be done on TMS therapy as a treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), doctors are hopeful that TMS can become a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with ASD. Studies on adults with autism show that TMS may help reduce symptoms of irritability and repetitive behaviors and help them improve their hand-eye coordination and social skills.

Doctors believe that TMS may also be beneficial to younger people with ASD, but more research needs to be done on children. Many physicians who use TMS to treat children and adolescents with ASD report that it has helped to improve verbal skills, behavior, and repetitive behaviors as well.

Is TMS an appropriate treatment for children?

While parents may have concerns about TMS therapy for children's brains, a study by Yang et al. (2019) demonstrated significant improvements in social, language, cognition, and imitation skills in children with ASD who underwent TMS treatment. The study suggests promise in addressing core deficits in low-functioning ASD children.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses a polar magnetic field to stimulate specific brain areas, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC), potentially influencing broader brain functionality through therapeutic cascades.

Krishnan et al. (2014) investigated TMS safety in children and adolescents, concluding that when following safety guidelines, repetitive TMS appeared safe. Among 513 participants, minor side effects like headaches, scalp discomfort, twitching, and rare mood changes, fatigue, and tinnitus were reported (Krishnan et al., 2014).

TMS Therapy for Addiction

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Several studies have indicated the potential of TMS as an innovative, safe, and cost-effective treatment alternative for certain substance use disorders, such as alcohol and cocaine. Many physicians have started to use TMS to treat the undesired symptoms that are associated with addiction and withdrawal. Specifically, those patients who may be suffering from severe depression and anxiety as a symptom of withdrawal. TMS can help stimulate the brain and restore one’s control over their mood and cravings.

The use of TMS has shown positive outcomes in fighting cravings, which is typically what causes a person to relapse. In a study investigating the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for drug addiction, researchers demonstrated that TMS can dampen brain activity in response to drug cues in chronic alcohol users and chronic cocaine users.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) also causes substantial health and social burdens and is the most prevalent among SUDs. Although opioid agonist therapy has been effective in some patients, the dropout rate and continued use of medications, such as, Suboxone, continue to be evidence that such drugs are not effective for most patients or improving the potential pandemic of OUD. However, there is evidence that shows TMS may be an effective alternative for OUD patients.

Although some patients have benefitted from TMS therapy for the treatment of addiction, it is important to seek the help of a TMS certified physician with experience in the use of TMS for substance use disorders.

TMS for Bipolar Disorder

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Bipolar depression is a mental health disorder characterized by mood swings. These mood swings move from periods of mania to depression, each lasting from days to months. Episodes of mania can involve high energy levels, racing thoughts, irrational behaviors, agitation, and even delusional thought processes. In contrast, depression episodes can cause severe low moods and sadness, lack of motivation and energy, and social isolation.

Standard treatment methods involve the use of medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and even antipsychotics often used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, traditional forms of treatment are often ineffective for many patients.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers hope for those who continue to suffer despite multiple trials of medications and other types of therapy. Research indicates that changes in the amygdala (the area of the brain responsible for processing emotions) are the key area responsible for the symptoms experienced with bipolar disorder. With bipolar patients, the left side of the brain appears to be less active.

Other studies indicate that the cerebellum seems to shows changes in patients with bipolar disorder. The cerebellum is responsible for involuntary movements such as speech, posture, balance, and cognitive and emotional processes.

TMS performs magnetic stimulation of brain structures and networks related to bipolar disorder, and some research indicates hope for bringing significant improvement to patients.TMS may improve cognitive domains in those suffering from bipolar depression and depression symptoms related to bipolar disorder.

TMS Therapy for GAD

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

While some patients have reported higher anxiety levels after TMS, the treatment has also been used in some cases to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Research indicates that the effects of TMS on anxiety can vary based on the specifics of a patient’s condition, the frequency of magnetic pulses used, and other parameters.

Because a mental health disorder is diagnosed based on a collection of symptoms, a physician needs to obtain a detailed and thorough history before making an initial diagnosis. Alternatively, it is equally important for patients to report their symptoms accurately and make regularly scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure correct diagnosis, especially when considering TMS as a treatment alternative.

In a 2011 research study, it was concluded that when administered to individuals with panic disorder, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) caused higher anxiety levels. However, it is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that TMS makes anxiety worse for most patients.

TMS improves brain function and increases the DLPFC’s ability to regulate mood and emotions. Studies have shown benefits for patients who experience ‘anxious depression’ or depression with comorbid anxiety. In these situations, TMS could likely be an effective treatment option.

When treating both the right and left DLPFC (bilateral), magnetic fields increase activity on the left and reduce activity on the right. Because activity can be fueled by hyperactivity in the right DLPFC, lowering the activity levels can actually help reduce anxiety symptoms.

TMS for Major Depression (MDD)

FDA Approved

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was first approved for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in 2008. Since then, it has helped hundreds of thousands of patients with depression. MDD has a prevalence of nearly 7 percent in the general population. First-line treatment therapies have always been antidepressant medications and psychotherapy; however, as many as 30 percent of those suffering do not respond to these treatment methods.

Since its FDA approval, there have been numerous randomized, controlled trials investigating the efficacy of TMS in the treatment of MDD. These studies indicate the efficacy of TMS in patients who continue to suffer debilitating symptoms of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) despite multiple trials of medications and other conventional forms of treatments, such as psychotherapy.

Like medications, TMS aims to stimulate your brain chemically and has proven to work more effectively for those resistant to medications. Specifically, TMS therapy involves using very short pulses of magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.

Newer forms of TMS have been approved by the FDA. One such form is called theta-burst TMS therapy. Theta burst is also commonly referred to as intermittent TBS (iTBS). This form of TMS significantly shortens the standard treatment protocol. It allows for multiple treatments a day performed over a few days, thus providing effective relief in a much shorter time for some patients.

TMS for Nicotine Addiction

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Chronic smoking impairs brain functions in the prefrontal cortex and the projecting mesocortical limbic system. Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and premature death. However, long-term smoking cessation is known to be difficult for most smokers due to nicotine dependence. Despite the success of multiple tobacco cessation efforts, tobacco use continues to be one of the greatest preventable causes of death and disease today. More than 50 percent of all smokers in the U..S make quit attempts every year, but over 90 percent relapse within 12 months despite the long-term benefits of quitting.

Studies on the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), both repetitive TMS (rTMS) and deep TMS (dTMS) have shown to be beneficial, and the FDA approved TMS for smoking cessation in 2020.

TMS sends electric impulses to a specific area of the brain. When stimulating targeted brain regions associated with craving nicotine or other drugs, it changes brain circuitry that mediates the dependence on the drug and reduces cravings. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) continues to be a primary focus of research for many researchers around the world. TMS is believed to be a treatment that could help with a number of psychiatric and neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, addiction, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

Many patients involved in various research studies were shown to stop smoking altogether. Therefore, rTMS has shown to have very positive outcomes and has helped many people to overcome smoking when other methods have failed.

TMS for OCD

FDA Approved

For years it was believed that OCD is caused by an imbalance in the brain’s chemical makeup (or chemistry). However, researchers now believe that OCD is more related to the structure and function of the brain’s neural network. TMS helps restore the chemical balance in the brain and focuses on restoring the neural networks and their function.

In OCD patients being treated with TMS, several research proves positive results by targeting two different brain areas. Initially, the goal was to target the area of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which is the brain area believed to cause symptoms related to OCD. Studies that centered on using TMS using the OFC as the focus for treatment showed positive results. More recent research has consistently demonstrated that the brain’s pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) is overactive in patients with OCD.

It is important to note that not all TMS systems are FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD. Magventure, a leading TMS device manufacturer, is FDA-approved for use with patients suffering from OCD. Brainsway, a deep TMS therapy (dTMS) system, is also FDA-approved to treat OCD.

While TMS is covered by nearly all major insurances, including Medicare and Tricare, for the treatment of depression, not all insurances yet cover the treatment for OCD. Additionally, prior authorization will likely be required and is typically obtained by the TMS therapy clinic or physician’s office.

If you are someone who suffers from depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or another condition, and you are seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option – the TMS Directory can connect you with a licensed TMS physician or provider in your area who specializes in treating your condition with the most advanced forms of medicine.

TMS Therapy for Postpartum Depression

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one the most common complications of childbirth and occurs in approximately 10% to 15% after childbirth and adversely impacts maternal-child bonding. Pharmacotherapy is generally recommended as the primary treatment option. Still, the maternal concern of exposing their baby to psychotropic medications through breastfeeding prevents this as a viable option for many women.

Multiple studies have focused on utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a non-psychotropic method for treating PPD. TMS may sound very intimidating, and many may associate it with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Still, in reality, it’s an extremely simple, non-invasive, and non-drug therapy that has improved millions of lives since it was first used as a depression treatment in the 1980s.

Unlike medications and ECT, TMS does not cause systemic side effects, and there is no anesthesia required, and no shock delivered.

Many women have received positive results when using TMS for treating their PPD. However, It is always best to speak with your doctor to determine whether TMS is the right treatment option for you, whether you’re pregnant or have recently given birth.

IS TMS SAFE WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

Yes. Research has found that TMS does not affect breastmilk. Mothers can safely resume breastfeeding after each TMS treatment session, with no downtime.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The most common side effects associated with TMS are discomfort at the treatment site or headache. These are not debilitating and generally subside after the first few treatments.

HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT?

A typical TMS session lasts for 20 minutes; however, some providers have TMS devices that can deliver treatment in less than 5 minutes but several sessions in one day are required. 

IS THERE DOWNTIME AFTER TREATMENT?

 No, there is no downtime after a TMS treatment. Patients can return to normal activities immediately following a TMS treatment session.

TMS for PTSD Treatment

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe form of anxiety in response to a threatening (possibly life-threatening) situation or occurrence. PTSD manifests as a tendency to avoid places, situations, or events that may remind them of the traumatic experience and significantly impair the person’s ability to function normally.

Many people, in general, associate PTSD with Veterans. However, the incidence of PTSD is actually higher in women than men, and is most prevalent among young adults, as they are most likely to encounter traumatic events, although it does occur in children and adolescents as well. Historically, the traumatic events differ between genders, and the literature tells us that men primarily develop the disorder following combat exposure, whereas women develop it in response to physical or sexual assault.

For years, the primary treatment for PTSD involved a combination of antidepressant medications for the depression symptoms and antianxiety medications for the anxiety that often accompanies PTSD symptoms. However, medications rarely provide relief from other debilitating symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and other symptoms. Most generally, medications are recommended in combination with certain types of therapies, such as, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves exposure to traumatic memories.

TMS therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a highly effective treatment option. Research indicates that TMS therapy offers hope for a more promising and effective treatment for those who continue to suffer symptoms and who have not responded to other forms of treatment.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is not a cure for PTSD but it can reduce the intensity of symptoms and make life more manageable on a day-to-day basis. Thus, allowing the patient to live a more normal lifestyle and optimal level of functioning. Need to find a local TMS clinic near you? Search the TMS Directory today to find qualified TMS therapy providers in your local area.

A review of clinical research on TMS for PTSD alone highlights that the treatment is effective. In fact, one study evaluated all the data from a collection of 20 studies using rTMS (repetitive) for the treatment of PTSD, and found that the collective data showed that rTMS can significantly reduce core symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is also important to note, that at present, TMS is not covered by insurance to treat PTSD. So it is suggested that you check pricing with two or more clinics in your area. It will also be important to inquire about the number of PTSD patients treated and make the best decision based on your due diligence.

TMS Therapy for Schizophrenia

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Schizophrenia, a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, is often difficult to treat. Psychiatrists use anti-psychotic medications as the first line of treatment to help manage symptoms, but these drugs do not work for all patients. Even when medications are effective, like all psychiatric drugs, they come with a host of disabling side-effects that make prolonged use challenging. But other treatments may be on the horizon.

New research out of the University of Caen in France suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help people with schizophrenia better manage auditory verbal hallucinations.

Studies show that repetitive TMS (rTMS) may help reduce auditory hallucinations as well as other cognitive symptoms of associated schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Since schizophrenia medications can have many undesired side effects and often stop working over a period of time, it is exciting that TMS may be able to provide a drug-free option to people who live with this condition.

Find a local TMS provider near you who can help! Use the TMS Directory today.

TMS for Stroke Rehabilitation

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Understanding how people recover from stroke remains one of the biggest challenges in neuroscience. As a result, collaborative efforts in recent years have focused on investigating the neurophysiological changes that occur in the brain after stroke, and in developing new approaches to enhance motor recovery. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive tool that has been used to research brain plasticity changes resulting from stroke and as a therapeutic treatment to safely improve motor function.

There are several studies indicating that repetitive TMS may be beneficial for stroke patients to help them learn how to walk again and improve other fine motor skills. Stroke rehabilitation can sometimes take years, so if TMS can help make the process easier, that would be a breakthrough in the treatment of stroke rehabilitation.

The effectiveness of TMS can vary from person to person, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Stroke rehabilitation typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications, among other interventions. The specific treatment plan should be tailored to the individual's needs and guided by medical professionals with expertise in stroke rehabilitation.

TMS Therapy for Tinnitus

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

You’re trying to enjoy a nice dinner out with your friends, but this constant buzz in your ear keeps you uncomfortably distracted all evening. Perhaps you’re lying in bed trying to sleep, but you find it difficult to get to sleep because of the constant ringing in your ear. Tinnitus is not a disease but is an undesired symptom of another condition, such as hearing loss. The first step in treating tinnitus is to determine its cause, and treatment should revolve around treating the cause.

However, it’s always good to know that there are other treatment options when first-line therapies are not helpful. While TMS Therapy has not been FDA-approved for tinnitus treatment to date, studies show that it is effective for some patients. TMS is a form of neuromodulation, which means to modulate or normalize nerve activity.

The effects of TMS on tinnitus have been studied for nearly a decade. However, while some patients have received significant improvements in their tinnitus symptoms, some have also reported worsening symptoms. It is important that before seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option, that you speak with your doctor or a TMS therapy certified physician experienced in treating tinnitus.

Looking for a local TMS therapy clinic? Search the TMS Directory today.

TMS for Stroke Rehabilitation

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. Understanding how people recover from stroke remains one of the biggest challenges in neuroscience. As a result, collaborative efforts in recent years have focused on investigating the neurophysiological changes that occur in the brain after stroke, and in developing new approaches to enhance motor recovery. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive tool that has been used to research brain plasticity changes resulting from stroke and as a therapeutic treatment to safely improve motor function.

There are several studies indicating that repetitive TMS may be beneficial for stroke patients to help them learn how to walk again and improve other fine motor skills. Stroke rehabilitation can sometimes take years, so if TMS can help make the process easier, that would be a breakthrough in the treatment of stroke rehabilitation.

The effectiveness of TMS can vary from person to person, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Stroke rehabilitation typically involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications, among other interventions. The specific treatment plan should be tailored to the individual's needs and guided by medical professionals with expertise in stroke rehabilitation.

TMS Therapy for Tinnitus

Not FDA Approved - Off Label

You’re trying to enjoy a nice dinner out with your friends, but this constant buzz in your ear keeps you uncomfortably distracted all evening. Perhaps you’re lying in bed trying to sleep, but you find it difficult to get to sleep because of the constant ringing in your ear. Tinnitus is not a disease but is an undesired symptom of another condition, such as hearing loss. The first step in treating tinnitus is to determine its cause, and treatment should revolve around treating the cause.

However, it’s always good to know that there are other treatment options when first-line therapies are not helpful. While TMS Therapy has not been FDA-approved for tinnitus treatment to date, studies show that it is effective for some patients. TMS is a form of neuromodulation, which means to modulate or normalize nerve activity.

The effects of TMS on tinnitus have been studied for nearly a decade. However, while some patients have received significant improvements in their tinnitus symptoms, some have also reported worsening symptoms. It is important that before seeking TMS therapy as a treatment option, that you speak with your doctor or a TMS therapy certified physician experienced in treating tinnitus.

Looking for a local TMS therapy clinic? Search the TMS Directory today.