The Benefits of TMS for Major Depressive Disorder and Client Testimonials
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions, and it can be deeply challenging for those who live with it. The most recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that around 21 million Americans had at least one major depressive episode within the year. MDD does not discriminate between male and female, the young or the old. It does not care what ethnicity you are. An MDD diagnosis can happen to anyone.
While talk therapy and medication help many people, not everyone finds relief with these traditional approaches. For those still struggling, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a safe, non-drug option that may provide the breakthrough they need. Here at Goolsby and Associates, we understand the complexities of major depression. We know that no two cases are the same because no two people are the same. If you are looking for an FDA-approved treatment alternative to talk therapy and medication, or one that can work with these treatment modalities, TMS might be the solution you are looking for.
Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
Depression is more than just feeling sad or down for a few days. Major depressive disorder is a medical condition that affects how people think, feel, and function in daily life. Symptoms often include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.
MDD can make it hard to work, maintain relationships, or even get through daily tasks. For many, therapy and antidepressant medications can reduce symptoms. However, some people find that these treatments only help a little or not at all. This is where TMS comes in.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medications, which affect the whole body, TMS directly targets the brain regions linked to depression.
A TMS session typically takes place in a doctor’s office or clinic. During the session, the patient sits in a comfortable chair while a small magnetic coil is placed on their scalp. The device delivers focused pulses to the part of the brain that is underactive in depression. These pulses are not painful—most people describe them as a light tapping sensation on the head.
Sessions at Goolsby and Associates usually last about 5 to 30 minutes daily over the course of four to six weeks. Patients can go about their normal day afterward. Because TMS is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia or recovery time.
We are also excited to let you know that we offer accelerated TMS (aTMS) for those who want the benefits in less time. aTMS involves multiple shorter sessions daily for around two weeks rather than the full four to six typically required for traditional TMS.
How TMS Works for Depression
Research shows that in major depressive disorder, certain parts of the brain—particularly the prefrontal cortex—are less active than they should be. This area helps regulate mood, decision-making, and emotional responses.
TMS uses magnetic energy to stimulate nerve cells in this region, which helps restore normal brain activity. Over time, repeated sessions can create long-lasting changes in how the brain functions, leading to improvements in mood and relief from depressive symptoms.
The treatment does not involve medication, so it avoids the side effects that sometimes come with antidepressants, such as weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction.
Benefits of TMS for Major Depressive Disorder
1. An option when other treatments do not work
One of the main benefits of TMS is that it offers hope for people who have not improved with traditional methods. For those who have tried multiple medications of appropriate dosage for a prescribed amount of time, or therapy without success, TMS can provide a new pathway to relief.
TMS does not require surgery, sedation, or medication. This makes it especially appealing for people who cannot tolerate medication side effects or prefer to avoid additional prescriptions.
3. Few side effects
The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort or headache during treatment, which usually improves after the first few sessions. Unlike medications, TMS does not affect the whole body.
4. Long-lasting results
Many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms after completing a course of TMS treatments. Some maintain these improvements for months or even years, although booster sessions may sometimes be needed.
5. Can improve daily functioning
When symptoms of depression lift, people often notice improvements in their energy levels, ability to concentrate, and motivation. This makes it easier to return to work, engage in relationships, and enjoy life again.
When Talk Therapy and Medication Aren’t Enough
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and antidepressant medications are typically the first-line treatments for MDD. For many people, they work well. But not everyone responds. Some may find that medication helps only partially or that side effects outweigh the benefits. Others may not feel relief even after trying several different medications.
This is known as treatment-resistant depression. TMS is often recommended in these cases, offering a different approach that directly targets the brain instead of relying on medications alone.
How TMS Can Work With Traditional Treatments
TMS does not have to replace therapy or medication—it can be used alongside them. In fact, many patients find the best results when combining TMS with other treatments.
For example:
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Someone receiving TMS may also continue talk therapy to build coping skills and manage stress.
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Patients may stay on their medications, but with TMS they may find the medications work better or can be taken at lower doses.
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Primary care providers and mental health specialists often work together with TMS providers to create a treatment plan that supports both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
This combination approach can be especially helpful because depression is complex, and each person’s journey to healing is unique.
Client testimonials from Goolsby and Associates
While you can search online for testimonials from successful TMS treatment, we’d like to introduce you to a few of our clients and family members who have experienced success with TMS at Goolsby and Associates. Please consider reading some of our patient testimonials here. Real people with real results.
A Path Toward Hope
Living with major depressive disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional treatments have not brought relief. TMS provides an innovative, evidence-based option that is safe, effective, and non-invasive. By directly stimulating the areas of the brain linked to mood, TMS offers hope for people who have struggled for too long.
Whether used alone or alongside therapy and medication, TMS can make a real difference in helping individuals reclaim their lives from depression. If you have questions about TMS, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Goolsby and Associates.