Understanding TMS: A Promising Option for Teens Struggling with Depression and OCD

As parents, watching your child struggle with depression or anxiety can be heartbreaking. You want to help them feel better, but sometimes traditional treatments like therapy and medication don’t bring the relief they need. If your teen has been facing persistent depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be an option worth considering.

What is TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive, non-medication treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. It is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and OCD in adolescents as young as 15 and adults.

Why Consider TMS for Your Teen?

Many teens face treatment-resistant depression, meaning they don’t respond well to therapy or medication alone. Studies show that the chances of remission decrease with each new medication trial. However, TMS promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt, lleading to long-lasting improvements in mood and mental health.

Benefits of TMS for Teens

• Safe & FDA-Cleared – Approved for depression and OCD in teens 15+
• Non-Medication Treatment – No risk of medication side effects
• Non-Invasive & Painless – No anesthesia, surgery, or downtime
• Minimal Side Effects – Most common side effect is mild discomfort at the treatment site
• Long-Lasting Results – Many teens experience relief in just a few weeks

What to Expect During Treatment

TMS sessions are quick and comfortable. Your teen will remain awake and alert, seated in a relaxing chair. A small magnetic coil is placed on their head, delivering gentle pulses to the brain areas that control mood. Sessions last about 20-30 minutes and are typically done 5 days a week for several weeks.

Does TMS Work?

Research shows promising results for teens and adults:

• 83% of patients experience measurable improvement in depression symptoms
• 62% achieve complete remission, meaning they may no longer meet the criteria for MDD

Is TMS Right for Your Child?

If your teen has struggled with medication-resistant depression or OCD, TMS might be an effective option. It’s always best to discuss potential treatments with your child’s doctor to see if it’s a good fit.

Get More Information

Have questions? If you’re interested in learning more about TMS, contact the Mind Health Institute, Orange County for a consultation. We’re here to help guide you through this process and explore whether TMS could be the right step for your teen’s mental health journey.

Mind Health Institute, Orange County

• 949-891-0307 (Newport Beach)
• 949-391-4669 (Laguna Beach)
• 949-354-0630 (Dana Point)