Who is a good candidate for rTMS?
A good candidate for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is typically someone who meets several of the criteria below.
You may be a good candidate for rTMS if you:
✔ Have major depressive disorder (MDD) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
rTMS is FDA-cleared for 15 -75 year olds with either MDD or OCD, especially when symptoms are moderate to severe.
✔ Have not had enough relief from antidepressant medications
Many people who pursue rTMS have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate improvement or have had side effects that made medications hard to tolerate.
✔ Are looking for a non-medication treatment option
rTMS does not involve daily medication, sedation, or anesthesia.
✔ Can attend regular treatment sessions
rTMS is usually given 5 days per week for 6 weeks, so the ability to attend scheduled visits is important.
rTMS may also be appropriate if you:
- Are hoping to avoid potential medication side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction
- Want to stay alert and resume normal activities immediately after treatment
- Have depression with anxiety symptoms (many patients experience improvement in both)
Who may not be a good candidate?
rTMS may not be recommended for individuals who:
- Have a history of seizure disorder
- Have certain implanted medical devices or metal in the head, including cochlear implants
- Are unable to sit comfortably for treatment sessions
