Is TMS Right For You? – SeattleNTC

Is TMS Right For You?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, gentle and effective FDA-approved treatment for patients suffering from depression who haven’t improved with antidepressants. Because SeattleNTC has been providing TMS for our patients since 2008, we are the most experienced and trusted provider in Washington state.

Take the Short Quiz

Take the Short Quiz

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Are you considering TMS treatment for:
Are you currently experiencing significant symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive disorder which interfere with your function or quality of life?
How many treatments, including medications and/or psychotherapy, have you tried for your OCD?
Are You Currently Struggling with Depression?
How Many Medications or Treatments have You Tried for Your Depression?
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Information on this page and this survey is intended as a general screener for our research. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice, provide care or to initiate a patient relationship between SeattleNTC and the respondent. Not all eligible survey respondents can be provided care.

  • ”I am so happy to say I had very successful results starting four years ago. Depression to me means a lack of energy and a desire to turn inward. I have felt new energy and sociability since starting TMS. TMS worked so well that I am willing to come forward…with the suggestion that those suffering depression try TMS.” —Tom
  • "Even on medication, I experienced depressive episodes and had to drop classes. Grades were inconsistent as a result, and I had to take off long periods of time. In the past year, since starting TMS, I haven’t dropped any classes and am getting good grades again." —Erica
  • I just kind of sunk into a hole, cut off all my social communities, had no contact with my prior groups, and all I could do was sort of force myself to go to work, then go home. SeattleNTC introduced me to TMS and overnight, it’s like I came back to life. Everything changed. I’ve reconnected with my church groups, my community, my work and my family. My wife is very grateful, and my kids are happy to have me back. —Jim

Why Choose TMS?

TMS provides hope for patients who have tried and failed two or more anti-depressants. In studies, about two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded to TMS. TMS can also provide successful outcomes for OCD patients. Almost half of treatment-resistant OCD patients who have failed to find relief with other medications and psychotherapy see improvement of symptoms with TMS.

What can I expect with TMS?

TMS uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in parts of the brain involved with mood and anxiety. This stimulation adjusts communication between parts of the brain and leads to an increase in beneficial connections associated with brain health.

A TMS treatment session is a short outpatient procedure that usually lasts between 15-20 minutes. TMS does not involve any anesthesia. During treatment, patients can rest in the treatment chair, listen to music, watch videos or speak with our TMS Clinician. After the procedure, patients can immediately return to a normal routine, including driving.

Side Effects

Treatment with TMS causes very few side effects and is well tolerated by most of our patients. The most common side effects are mild headaches and scalp discomfort that usually occurs less frequently after the first week of treatment. That means:

  • No systemic side effects
  • No weight gain
  • No sexual dysfunction
  • No nausea
  • No dry mouth
  • No negative effects on concentration or memory
  • No drug interactions

More Information About TMS

  • TMS is an outpatient procedure performed in our office.
  • TMS is non-invasive, meaning that is does not involve surgery.
  • TMS does not require any anesthesia or sedation. Patients remain awake and alert during the treatment.
  • TMS does not involve any medications.
  • The typical initial treatment course consists of five treatments per week over a six-week period for an average of thirty total treatments, followed by a six-treatment taper. Each treatment session typically lasts between 15-20 minutes.

TMS TREATMENT

TMS TREATMENT

Gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, OCD, and others.

LEARN MORE

ESKETAMINE TREATMENT

ESKETAMINE TREATMENT

Spravato/esketamine is a new FDA-approved treatment for depression.

LEARN MORE

ECT TREATMENT

ECT TREATMENT

The most effective, life-saving treatment available for severe depression.

LEARN MORE

ADDITIONAL THERAPIES

ADDITIONAL THERAPIES

If other treatments don’t work, we have interventions that may.

LEARN MORE

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

In additional to TMS, ECT, and esketamine, we offer general psychiatric services.

LEARN MORE

TMS TREATMENT

TMS TREATMENT

Gentle, non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, OCD, and others.

LEARN MORE

ECT TREATMENT

ECT TREATMENT

The most effective, life-saving treatment available for severe depression.

LEARN MORE

ADDITIONAL THERAPIES

ADDITIONAL THERAPIES

If other treatments don’t work, we have interventions that may.

LEARN MORE

ESKETAMINE TREATMENT

ESKETAMINE TREATMENT

Spravato/esketamine is a new FDA-approved treatment for depression.

LEARN MORE

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

In additional to TMS, ECT, and esketamine, we offer general psychiatric services.

LEARN MORE

WE HAVE THE EXPERTISE, PERSISTENCE AND COMPASSION
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU.

Contact us at 206.467.6300