Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Non-Invasive Treatment for Depression  

Please Note: The Center for Healthy Aging TMS Program is currently not accepting new patients.

The Center for Healthy Aging at Lahey Outpatient Center Danvers provides an innovative, non-invasive treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. Eligible patients are age 40 and up and have not seen adequate results from psychotherapy and antidepressants, and/or experience unpleasant side effects with medication for depression.

What is TMS Therapy?

TMS is a form of neurostimulation, or a therapy that triggers brain activity. It is a medical procedure that works by using highly focused MRI-strength magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain from the outside the skull.

TMS therapy is administered in an office setting under the supervision of a psychiatrist and a TMS technician. It is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require any type of anesthesia or sedation. Treatment sessions typically last 37 minutes, administered five days a week for approximately six weeks. Patients remain awake and alert throughout the treatment, and can return to their daily routine immediately after.

Is it Safe?

Yes, the Neurostar TMS device was cleared by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for depression in 2008. The treatment does not lead to any of the side effects often caused by medications such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea or dry mouth.

Is it Effective?

In studies of the effectiveness of TMS Therapy, one in two patients improved significantly and one in three patients were completely symptom-free after six weeks of treatment. TMS has been effective for many people who continued to struggle with depression even with the help of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications.

Who Benefits From TMS Therapy?

People for whom TMS has been successful include those who:

• Are not seeing adequate results from their current treatment for depression
• Are taking multiple medications to treat depression
• Feel that the side effects of their medications outweigh the benefits
• Find that depression has increased their doctor visits for other conditions
• Have tried ECT for their depression
• Feel that depression continues to have a significant negative impact on their daily lives

Schedule an Appointment

Patients interested in TMS at the Center for Healthy Aging will do an initial phone screening with the TMS clinic coordinator. They will then be scheduled for an intake with a Center for Healthy Aging social worker and a consultation with the program’s psychiatrist. Keep in mind, eligible patients must at least 40 years old. The program psychiatrist will talk with you in more detail about TMS Therapy and determine if you would be a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Note: Patients who are under age 65 and being treated with TMS at our center will continue to have their medications monitored by their regular prescriber, as the Center for Healthy Aging is not able to provide medication management or therapy for those under age 65.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 978-304-8532.