If you’ve started TMS therapy and noticed a shift in depressive symptoms, it’s natural to wonder if the treatment is making things worse. Many patients considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) share the same concern.
The short answer is no. TMS is a safe, FDA-approved treatment that has helped many patients who haven’t improved with medications or traditional therapy. However, like any medical approach, it carries some risks and may cause temporary side effects.
At Bristol Health, our TMS program combines compassionate care with evidence-based expertise to help you restore hope, improve mood, and regain a sense of control over your life.
TMS is a safe and effective treatment for reducing depression symptoms with minimal side effects. It requires no anesthesia and is well tolerated, often with fewer side effects than medications.
Study shows that about 50–60% patients with treatment-resistant depression experience meaningful improvement with TMS therapy, and roughly one-third achieve full remission. While TMS results are not permanent, many people enjoy months of relief, with the average response lasting a little over a year.
Mild side effects of TMS treatment for depression, like headaches, scalp discomfort, or muscle twitching, are common but not a sign of worsening depression. These typically reflect the brain adapting to new stimulation, similar to temporary adjustments when starting antidepressants.
TMS may not be right for everyone, which is why at Bristol Health, we carefully screen you before treatment and monitor you closely throughout TMS therapy. Our providers adjust the treatment plan as needed and guide you through any short-term side effects to ensure a safe and effective experience.
While TMS is generally safe and effective, a small number of patients may notice a temporary increase in symptoms during or shortly after treatment. This can happen for several reasons, and understanding these factors can help guide adjustments to your care plan.
Accurate coil placement is critical; improper positioning can reduce effectiveness. TMS works by stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area linked to mood regulation. Even slight misalignments can reduce effectiveness or lead to unintended effects. That’s why at Bristol Health, we prioritize expertise and precision at every stage of treatment to ensure safety and the best possible outcomes.
Traditional targeting methods, like the 5 cm method, rely on manual measurements and can be imprecise. We use the best techniques for more accurate placement, improving results and reducing risks.
Our mapping process may include the following steps:
Some patients feel better early in treatment but notice a temporary downturn after a few weeks, known as the TMS dip. This does not mean the therapy isn’t working. Like antidepressants, TMS can cause temporary fluctuations before improvement becomes sustained. Staying consistent with sessions is key, as symptoms often resolve and give way to meaningful progress.
Overstimulation can occur when the brain’s response to magnetic pulses is stronger than expected. In some patients, this heightened stimulation may trigger increased anxiety, restlessness, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. These effects are usually temporary and can often be managed by adjusting treatment settings.
TMS can be highly effective in easing depression symptoms, but some patients may experience a return of symptoms weeks or months after completing their initial course. To help maintain progress, many patients benefit from ongoing care, such as maintenance TMS sessions and psychotherapy. These approaches can extend remission and reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
TMS works best for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of major depression. If a person has bipolar disorder or severe anxiety, these conditions must be carefully managed first. Otherwise, TMS could trigger negative effects such as manic episodes or increased anxiety. TMS is not considered suitable for patients with epilepsy, a history of head injury, or other serious neurological issues.
Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is essential before starting TMS to ensure the treatment is appropriate and tailored to your specific situation.
At Bristol Health, your TMS journey is designed to be supportive, seamless, and stress-free from start to finish.
Once our screening process is complete and we determine that TMS is right for you, our team maps the ideal stimulation points by first locating the motor cortex in the brain. This ensures the device is positioned precisely to target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
No anesthesia, sedation, or recovery time is required for TMS therapy. You’ll remain fully awake and can return to work, school, or other activities immediately afterward.
A small, cushioned coil is placed gently against your scalp. The device then delivers light magnetic pulses, often described as a tapping or tingling sensation. TMS sessions usually last 20-30 minutes.
Most patients experience little to no downtime. Mild scalp discomfort or a brief headache can occur, but they usually subside after the first few treatments. With TMS, improvements build gradually.
The timeline of TMS outcome can vary from person to person. Many patients notice subtle positive changes, such as better energy, focus, or mood, within 2-4 weeks of treatment.
Our team monitors your progress closely. They may adjust coil placement, stimulation intensity, or protocols as needed to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Many patients notice gradual improvements as TMS treatment progresses, often experiencing better mood, increased energy, and improved daily functioning.
At Bristol Health, we monitor your progress closely, fine-tune TMS therapy when needed, and provide continuous support to help you achieve meaningful and lasting relief from depression.
TMS does not make depression worse in the long run. It is a safe, proven, and life-changing therapy for many people living with treatment-resistant depression. At Bristol Health, our compassionate team provides advanced TMS therapy in a supportive, patient-centered environment.
To learn more about how TMS therapy can help you, call us at (801) 903-5903 or request an appointment. Our compassionate team is here to help you take the first step toward improved mental health and well-being.
If you are struggling and need someone to talk to right now, the resources below provide free and confidential assistance 24/7:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
https://988lifeline.org/
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