What is TMS? With Dr. Warstadt

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a groundbreaking approach to treating Major Depression. TMS has been used in research for over 30 years. Here at Southeastern Psychiatric Associates, we use a protocol called rTMS or Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is FDA-approved for treating Major Depressive Disorder when medications don’t work. In clinical trials, TMS has been proven to be safe and effective. TMS is well-tolerated, and the effects are usually long lasting.

TMS is For Patients Who:

• Have a diagnosis of Major Depression and have not benefited from prior medication

• Have had side effects from medications

• Want a safe, effective, non-invasive solution

What is TMS like?

Treatments take about 15 minutes and are done in our Randolph offices. Patients settle into a reclining chair. When the treatment begins, there is clicking noise similar to an MRI. Patients remain fully awake and can watch TV or chat with someone in the room.

The treatment does not cause any disorientation or cognitive problems. Patients immediately resume normal activities, like driving home or going to work. There are few to no side effects with TMS.