TMS is a safe treatment. While it is a relatively new mental health treatment, it was FDA-approved for people 18 years and older in 2008. Since then, there have been millions of individual treatment sessions performed in the United States. Although TMS hasn’t been FDA-approved for people younger than 18, multiple studies have shown that TMS is safe for adolescents.
For adolescents, TMS is generally used on older teens who are 15 years and older. It usually has mild and short-lasting side effects, especially when compared to antidepressants and medications.
Our clinicians who administer TMS treatments are professionally trained and put each patient’s comfort first.
TMS treatments do not hurt during or after each session. There are very few side effects of TMS therapy. Most side effects are mild and short-lasting, and can include:
- Headaches
- Sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Scalp discomfort
- Twitching or tingling of the facial muscles
Many patients find it to be uncomfortable on their scalp and mild headaches are common during the first few treatments, but these generally go away within the first two weeks as people get used to the sensation. It is rare that anyone drops out of TMS because of side effects.
More serious side effects happen very rarely, but can consist of:
- Seizures
- Hearing problems from the loud clicking noise that occurs during treatment
- Mania, which is more likely to occur if an adolescent has bipolar disorder
However, our expert providers will use their professional knowledge to further help avoid serious side effects like the ones listed above. It is most likely that some adolescents may experience a mild headache.
Generally, patients will feel just like their normal selves. They will be able to drive and go back to their regular activities. Some people report feeling a little tired or having a mild headache, but that usually goes away after the first week or two. Other people report more energy and better focus, as well as the ability to ignore obsessive, anxious thoughts after treatment.
