Nashville Child and Family TMS Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is TMS?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment modality used in cases of depression, anxiety, and
OCD. It uses repetitive magnetic pulses to activate areas of the brain, which in turn,
helps to reduce symptoms associated with depression.
How long before I start feeling better?
Most clients begin to see improvements after 10-15 appointments, making it 2-3 weeks.
According to the literature, 80% of people have a statistically significant positive
response, while 60% of people have a complete remission of symptoms by the end of
training.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions typically run about thirty minutes long. One round of treatment is usually 36
sessions, conducted over an 8-10 week period.
How long do results last?
According to the available literature, two thirds of people experience steady progress
through six months, with half of the respondents reporting steady progress a year after
training. For some people, additional sessions are needed to achieve lasting results.
Like with any mental health treatment, the results will vary from person to person.
How long as TMS been around?
TMS research first began in the 1980’s, though on depression specifically by stimulating
the frontal cortex, research began in the early 1990’s. It was cleared by the FDA for the
treatment of depression in 2008.
Do I continue taking medication while doing TMS?
Medication management will continue with your regular prescribing provider. In some
cases, as symptoms improve, medication amounts may be reduced. That decision will
be made by your prescribing provider.
What are the negative side effects of TMS?
Because TMS is stimulates brain tissue, there is a risk of seizure, although that risk is
remarkably low. For most TMS units, the risk of seizure is roughly 0.03%, meaning 3 in
1,000,000. That is less than the risk carried by most psychiatric medications. The most
common side effects are pain at the site of stimulation, minor headaches, and twitching,
all of which tend to stop once the session comes to an end.
Is TMS covered by insurance?
Because TMS is approved as a front-line treatment for depression, it is approved by
most major insurance carriers. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Humana, BCBS,
United and Tricare. Our staff is happy to speak with you about what type of insurance
coverage you will receive, and what costs, if any, you might be expected to provide out
of pocket. If you have a different insurance carrier, please meet with our staff to discuss
potential options.