How to Maximize the Results of TMS Therapy

Like any form of therapy, the benefits of TMS are most powerful when paired with the right mindset, support, and daily habits. Whether you’re just starting TMS or midway through your treatment, it can help to know how to get the most out of your sessions.

In this article, we share some evidence-based strategies to help you maximize the result of TMS therapy. We also outline some ways you can prepare for your sessions and therapies that complement TMS. 

What is TMS therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy FDA-approved for treating depression, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It’s also effective for other mental health conditions like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as certain neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia.

TMS works by delivering gentle magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain, usually the prefrontal cortex, which plays an important role in regulating mood and emotion. These pulses stimulate underactive brain circuits and help encourage new neural connections, a process known as synaptic plasticity. Over time, this helps ‘rewire’ the brain in a way that supports healthier emotional responses. 

Treatment sessions last around 20 to 30 minutes and take place five days a week for four to six weeks. Some people may continue with maintenance sessions depending on their individual progress and care plan. Others may want to consider SAINT TMS or accelerated TMS, two forms of TMS therapy that offer a more condensed treatment schedule. Many patients begin to notice improvements in their mood, energy, sleep, and focus after just a few TMS sessions. 

TMS is well-tolerated by most patients. Some may experience mild side effects, such as scalp discomfort or a temporary headache early in the treatment, but these usually fade as the body adjusts to the treatment. Because TMS doesn’t rely on medication, it doesn’t have the systemic side effects often associated with antidepressants. This makes it a safe option for those who haven’t found relief with traditional approaches. 

Read: Who Qualifies for TMS Therapy? (TMS Requirements)

Preparing for TMS therapy

We know that starting a new treatment can be scary and you might be feeling a mix of emotions – hopefulness, curiosity, nervousness. To put your mind at ease, we outline what to expect when undergoing TMS therapy and how to prepare for your sessions. 

Your TMS consultation

If you’re only just starting to explore TMS treatment, the first step will be to attend a consultation with a TMS provider. During the consultation, your provider will conduct a full medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine if TMS is right for you. It’s important to share any relevant health information, including:

• Personal or family history of seizures
• Medical history
• Any metal implants (especially in or near the head)
• Current medications and dosages
• If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.  

Being open and thorough during this initial consultation will help your care team tailor the prescribed treatment safely and effectively for your needs.

Build a support system

You might find it helpful to let close friends or family know about your treatment plan. Having support from loved ones makes the journey easier, especially if you’re feeling unsure during the first few sessions. Some patients ask a friend or family member to come with them at the start of treatment, and that’s perfectly okay. It can be comforting knowing that you have someone nearby. 

Pack some essentials

Because TMS is an outpatient procedure, you don’t really need to bring anything with you. That said, some simple items can make your sessions more comfortable. You might want to bring:

• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• Headphones if you’d like to listen to music or watch something on your device during the sessions
• A book, if you prefer to read
• A mild pain reliever, if approved, in case you experience a headache after treatment
• A list of medications you’re currently taking, just in case your care team needs to review them. 

TMS doesn’t require any anesthesia or downtime, so you’ll be awake and alert during each session. That’s why some people like to bring along an activity to pass the time. 

What a typical TMS session looks like

Here’s what to expect from a typical TMS session: 

• Getting started: First, you’ll be settled in a comfortable chair and a TMS technician will place a magnetic coil against your scalp. This coil delivers focused magnetic pulses to parts of the brain involved in mood regulation. 
• During the session: Once the session begins, you’ll feel a light tapping sensation on your scalp. It’s not painful, but some people describe it as feeling tingly. You’ll be awake and alert the whole time and free to listen to music, watch a show, or simply relax.
• After the session: Most sessions last around 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’re free to go about your day with no recovery time needed. This means you can drive yourself back home, to work, or to school and carry on with your usual activities. 

Read More: What is Brain Mapping for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

How to get the most out of TMS therapy

Now that you know what to expect from your TMS sessions, let’s look at what you can do to maximize treatment results: 

1. Stay consistent with your treatment schedule

TMS works best when you attend sessions regularly. Each appointment builds on the last to help your brain form new patterns and pathways, so skipping sessions or delaying treatments can interfere with this progress. 

Of course, life happens and things don’t always go according to plan. But if something comes up, work with your care team to stay on track. 

2. Keep up with other treatments

TMS isn’t a replacement for other treatments – in fact, often works best when used alongside talk therapy and/or medication. Many people find that combining these approaches can help reinforce progress and improve long-term outcomes. 

To get the most out of TMS, be sure to continue any prescribed medications or therapy appointments, unless you’ve been otherwise advised by your provider. 

3. Prioritize sleep

TMS is a gentle treatment, but it still requires energy for your brain to adapt and form new neural pathways. You might find yourself feeling more tired than usual, especially during the first week or two of treatment. Getting quality sleep can help support your brain’s healing process and also improve your mood, focus, and emotional regulation. So make rest a priority and listen to your body’s needs.

4. Fuel your brain with nutrition

A healthy, nutritious diet supports brain function and is never a bad idea. Try to build meals around whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is also an important part of this, so keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. 

See: How Diet and Exercise Affect Your Mental Health

5. Move your body

Daily physical activity can help increase endorphins, improve sleep, and reduce stress – even if it’s just a short, simple walk. Doing any amount of physical exercise can complement TMS by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that helps regulate your mood naturally. You don’t need a strict fitness routine, just aim to move in a way that feels good and sustainable for you. 

6. Stay awake and engaged during sessions

TMS is most effective when your brain is alert. You’ll be awake the entire time, but staying mentally engaged may help achieve optimal results. As we mentioned, you’re free to bring headphones to listen to music or a podcast, read a book, or even chat with your technician if that helps you stay present. 

7. Track your progress

Noticing how you feel from week to week can help you and your care team fine-tune your treatment. You might want to consider keeping a journal where you track your mood, energy, sleep quality, or symptoms. It’s normal for your progress to be gradual, and sometimes it’s the people around you who’ll notice changes before you do. Stay patient and trust the process. 

How do I know if TMS therapy is working?

TMS therapy is a gradual process, so you’re unlikely to recognize any sudden, immediate changes. Most people notice small shifts first – you might feel a little lighter, find it easier to get out of bed in the morning, or rediscover interest in activities that once felt like a drag. These subtle changes are usually the first signs that TMS is working. 

Think of TMS like strength training for your mental health (a type of brain training!). Just like your muscles need to be used repeatedly to grow, your brain needs repeated stimulation to form new pathways. Over the course of several weeks, these small changes can add up to significant shifts and long-lasting relief. 

Either way, every person responds differently to TMS, and some people might notice improvements before others. If you’re not sure if treatment is helping you, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider. They can help you track progress and determine if any adjustments are needed. 

See: How Successful is TMS Therapy?

How long do TMS results last?

The benefits of TMS therapy can last well beyond the end of your treatment course. Clinical research shows that 50 to 60% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience meaningful improvement with TMS, and many maintain these improvements for months or even years. Some people even experience complete remission through TMS. 

Everyone’s experience is unique, and if your depression symptoms begin to return over time then you may be recommended a follow-up course, sometimes called maintenance TMS. These sessions are typically shorter and less frequent than the initial round and are designed to help you stay well. 

Factors that improve TMS success

TMS therapy is highly effective for many individuals, but certain factors can influence how quickly results appear and how well treatment works overall. At BestMind, each patient’s journey starts with a consultation to determine whether TMS is the right fit. That said, here are some factors that may improve TMS success: 

Age

Research shows that TMS tends to be most effective in individuals under the age of 70. This is because brain plasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, naturally decreases with age. That doesn’t mean TMS won’t work for you if you’re older, it just means it might take longer to see results or you may need additional sessions. 

Read: Is TMS Appropriate for Treating Adolescents With Depression?

Early response to treatment

Some people begin to feel better within the first few weeks of treatment, and this early progress can be a positive sign. People who haven’t responded well to past TMS treatments (or to other forms of neuromodulation) might also be more likely to benefit from current sessions. 

However, if you don’t notice changes right away, it doesn’t mean that TMS is working for you. Everyone’s timeline is different. 

Severity of depression

TMS is specifically designed for the treatment of depression that’s moderate to severe, including cases that haven’t improved with medication alone. This means that people with more severe or long-standing depressive symptoms might need a longer course of treatment to experience full relief. 

The good news is that even those with chronic, treatment-resistant depression often see improved mental wellness and quality of life with consistent TMS sessions. 

Summary: How to maximize the results of TMS treatment

TMS therapy can be a life-changing treatment, especially for those who haven’t found relief through traditional approaches. Although the process takes time, there are simple ways to support your brain and body along the way. 

If you’re exploring TMS therapy or starting sessions soon, here’s a quick recap to help you get the most from your sessions: 

• Stick to your TMS schedule
• Keep up with therapy and/or medication
• Prioritize good sleep
• Eat nourishing meals and stay hydrated
• Move your body in ways you enjoy
• Stay mentally alert during sessions
• Keep track of how you’re feeling
• Be patient and gentle with yourself. 

Remember, progress might not happen overnight but every session takes you a step forward. If you’re ready to explore TMS therapy, our compassionate team at BestMind Behavioral Health is here to support you. Contact us now to schedule a TMS consultation and start the journey today.