Is TMS Safe?
Safety of TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been in use for decades and is backed by extensive clinical research confirming its safety and effectiveness for certain mental health conditions. Despite its proven track record, some patients hesitate because they picture outdated and invasive procedures from the past — like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from the 1950s. TMS is not ECT, does not require anesthesia, and does not cause memory loss. It’s a modern, targeted approach that works by gently stimulating specific areas of the brain involved in mood and cognitive function.
Backed by Research
TMS is FDA-cleared for the treatment of major depressive disorder (2008) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (2018) in adults. It is also FDA-cleared for treating depression in adolescents 15–21 years old with one TMS device model. Beyond FDA clearance, TMS has been studied in thousands of patients worldwide.
Key studies and sources:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA) – Endorses TMS as an evidence-based treatment for depression that hasn’t improved with medication.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Multiple studies confirming efficacy and safety profiles.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School – Research demonstrating significant symptom improvement in treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
- Johns Hopkins University – Studies showing long-term safety and effectiveness, including benefits in anxiety and PTSD.
- FDA Clinical Trials – Data supporting clearance for depression and OCD, with low rates of adverse effects.
With an excellent safety profile, begin TMS treatment and experience symptom improvement within weeks.
Addressing Common Fears
“Is this brain shock therapy?”
No. TMS does not use electrical currents to induce seizures. Instead, it uses focused magnetic pulses — similar in strength to an MRI — to stimulate targeted brain regions. Patients remain awake and alert throughout treatment.
“Will it hurt?”
Most patients describe a tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. Any discomfort is typically mild and temporary, often improving after the first few sessions.
“Does it affect my memory or personality?”
No. Unlike ECT, TMS has not been shown to cause memory loss or personality changes. It works by modulating brain activity, not erasing or altering memories.
“Is it safe with my medications?”
In most cases, yes. TMS is often used alongside antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers. Your treatment plan is coordinated with your prescribing provider.
Side Effects and Risks
The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during or after a session, which usually resolve within a day. Rarely, TMS can cause a seizure (less than 0.1% of patients — lower than the risk with many antidepressants).
Long-Term Safety
Long-term studies show TMS remains safe even after multiple courses of treatment over several years. There is no evidence of brain damage or harmful cognitive effects from repeated use.
A non-invasive and well-researched therapy
TMS is a modern, non-invasive, and well-researched therapy with an excellent safety profile. It’s not a last-resort, high-risk procedure — it’s a proven, precision-based treatment supported by some of the most respected institutions in medicine and neuroscience.
