TMS for Teens and Adolescents
A Safe, Evidence-Based Option for Younger Patients
Mental health challenges during adolescence can interfere with school, friendships, family life, and self-esteem. For teens who don’t respond to medications or who experience difficult side effects, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option.
While TMS is FDA-cleared for adults 18 and older for depression and OCD, clinical research in adolescent populations is growing and shows promising results in safety and effectiveness for certain conditions. Applied TMS offers TMS for teens on a case-by-case basis, in coordination with parents, guardians, and the patient’s care team.
Conditions TMS Can Address in Adolescents
- Major Depressive Disorder (FDA-cleared for adults; used off-label in select teens with medical oversight)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (FDA-cleared for adults; research-supported for younger patients)
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar depression (depressive episodes)
- Cognitive symptoms, including brain fog or slowed thinking after illness or injury
Learn about FDA-cleared TMS options for teens and how Applied TMS works with families and providers.
How TMS Works for Teens
TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, focus, and emotional control. For teens, the most common target is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which plays a central role in depression and anxiety.
By restoring healthier brain activity, TMS can:
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve emotional stability
- Enhance concentration and focus for school and daily life
- Support better sleep and energy levels
Safety and FDA Status
- FDA Clearance: Currently, TMS is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults 18 and over.
- Adolescent Use: For patients under 18, TMS is considered off-label but has been evaluated in multiple studies showing good tolerability and clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms.
- Side Effects: The most common are mild scalp discomfort or temporary headache during or after treatment. TMS does not require anesthesia, does not cause memory loss, and has no addictive potential.
Adjunct Services for Teens at Applied TMS
We work with families and referring providers to make sure TMS is part of a broader, supportive care plan that may include:
- Psychological evaluation before treatment
- Medication review and coordination with the prescribing provider
- Ongoing therapy referrals, such as CBT or family therapy
- Post-treatment planning, including booster sessions and school support coordination
What Parents Should Know
- Parents or guardians are involved in the evaluation and treatment planning process.
- We track symptom changes weekly and keep families informed about progress.
- TMS is performed in a comfortable, outpatient setting with no downtime, so teens can continue with school and activities.
TMS for Teens & Adolescents FAQs
Is TMS safe for teenagers?
Studies suggest TMS is well-tolerated in adolescents, with similar side effects to adults. The most common are mild and temporary.
Will my teen need to stop medication before starting TMS?
Not necessarily. TMS can be combined with medications, and our team coordinates with the prescribing provider to ensure safety.
How long before we see results?
Many teens begin noticing mood improvements within 3–4 weeks, though full benefits often continue to develop over the course of treatment.
Will insurance cover TMS for a teenager?
Insurance typically covers TMS for FDA-cleared indications in adults. For adolescents, coverage is less common and may require case-by-case authorization.
