The Science Behind TMS: How It Targets Depression in the Brain

If you’ve been battling depression that just won’t lift despite trying therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes you’re not alone. You may have what is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). If you have tried at least 2 different medications for an appropriate dosage and duration without relief, you may be experiencing TRD.

Now, a breakthrough therapy called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is changing that story. At Goolsby and Associates in Gainesville, GA, we’re proud to provide this safe, noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment that is covered by most insurance companies.

In this article, we’ll explain the science behind TMS and how it works in the brain, why it’s different from medication, and what you can expect if you choose TMS treatment in Gainesville, GA.

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a cutting-edge depression treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain involved in mood regulation.

Research shows that various structures within the brain are impacted by depression. For example, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) becomes less active. This region plays a key role in mood, motivation, and decision-making.

Structures within the limbic system such as the hippocampus and amygdala experience functional changes as well as variations in structure in those with depression. TMS acts like a wake-up call for these underactive areas, helping restore healthier brain function and lifting symptoms of depression.

How TMS Works: Step-by-Step

When you have a TMS session at Goolsby and Associates in Gainesville, here’s what’s happening inside your brain:

1. Precise Targeting: The TMS coil is positioned on the scalp to target specific brain regions involved in depression.

2. Magnetic Pulses: The coil delivers short bursts of magnetic energy that feel like light tapping on your scalp.

3. Neural Activation: These pulses create small electrical currents in brain cells (neurons), making them more active.

4. Stronger Connections: Over time, repeated sessions strengthen the brain’s mood network, helping it work more efficiently.

This process is sometimes described as “rewiring” the brain by retraining the neural pathways responsible for mood. Think of it as creating new neural pathways allowing for new thought patterns to develop over time. 

The Science Supporting TMS

TMS isn’t experimental. it’s backed by decades of neuroscience research. Brain imaging studies consistently show that:

• People with depression have decreased activity the prefrontal cortex region.

• After a course of TMS, this region becomes more active and better connected to other mood-related brain areas.

These changes correlate with real-life improvements: reduced sadness, more energy, and greater emotional stability.

FDA Approval and Insurance Coverage

TMS has been FDA-approved since 2008 for treating major depressive disorder in adults who haven’t improved with antidepressants. Because of its strong safety record and proven effectiveness, most major insurance companies now cover TMS therapy for eligible patients.

At Goolsby and Associates, our team works directly with insurance providers to handle pre-approvals and paperwork, making the process as smooth as possible for patients in the Gainesville area.

What to Expect During a TMS Session

A TMS session is comfortable, convenient, and requires no anesthesia or downtime:

• You’ll sit in a reclining chair in our Gainesville office.

• A technician will position the magnetic coil on your head.

• Pulses are delivered in short bursts over 5 to 30 minutes.

• You can drive yourself home or return to work immediately afterward.

Most patients receive TMS five days a week for 4–6 weeks. At Goolsby and Associates, we now offer Accelerated TMS which involves much shorter sessions multiple times a day. For those who cannot make a 4-to-6-week commitment to TMS, this may be a viable option for you.

Why TMS is Different from Medication

While antidepressants change brain chemistry, they don’t directly address the underactive brain circuits seen in depression. TMS stimulates these circuits directly, helping them work more normally.

Another major advantage? Minimal side effects. Some may experience mild scalp discomfort or headache during the first few sessions (usually fades). Before your first experience with TMS we will have an initial consult to determine if TMS is right for you. For those who may have metal implants in the head or neck region or those with a seizure disorder or other underlying health conditions, TMS may not be suitable.

For many the side effects of medication cause distress. TMS doesn’t cause weight gain, sexual side effects, or fatigue just some of issues that often make patients stop taking medication.

Proven Results for Depression

Clinical trials show that about 50% of patients with treatment-resistant depression respond to TMS, and about one-third achieve full remission—meaning their depression symptoms go away entirely.

At Goolsby and Associates, we’ve seen patients regain motivation, improve their relationships, and rediscover joy after years of struggling.

The Future: Accelerated TMS

While traditional TMS takes 4–6 weeks, accelerated TMS protocols, which condense treatment into multiple shorter sessions per day for about a week are showing promising results. This option isn’t available everywhere yet, but it’s an exciting development in depression care.

Is TMS Right for You?

TMS might be a good option if you:

• Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder

• Haven’t improved with at least one antidepressant

• Want a non-drug depression treatment in Gainesville, GA

• Can commit to daily sessions for several weeks

Our team at Goolsby and Associates starts with a thorough evaluation to determine if TMS is right for you.

 

Take the Next Step Toward Relief