TMS for OCD – FAQs
Our OCD treatment plans include discussion of various medication approaches, brain stimulation options such as TMS, reading or self-learning recommendations, lifestyle modifications, education to you and your family about the diagnosis, as well as helping to connect you to other OCD specialized individual therapists or groups. Treatment program aims to provide excellence in assessing and treating OCD and other anxiety disorder such as social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, body-focused-repetitive-behaviors, and others.
What is TMS for OCD and who should consider it?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a safe, non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for OCD. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in OCD symptoms.
TMS is an option for:
- Patients who haven’t responded to medication or therapy
- Those seeking a drug-free treatment with fewer side effects
- People looking to enhance the effectiveness of their current treatment
TMS can be combined with medication or therapy for better results.
How does TMS work for OCD, and what happens in a session?
TMS targets brain areas involved in OCD, helping to reduce obsessions and compulsions.
What to expect in a session:
- You’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS coil is placed on your head.
- Instead of watching TV (like in depression treatment), you’ll do brief exposure exercises to activate fear circuits.
- Magnetic pulses help strengthen brain circuits to resist compulsions.
- Sessions last 20–30 minutes, five days a week for four to six weeks.
TMS doesn’t “erase” OCD but can help quiet intrusive thoughts and make compulsions easier to resist.
How does TMS compare to other OCD treatments?
The gold standard treatments for OCD are:
- Medications (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – SRIs)
- Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
TMS can be a great option if:
- Medications and therapy haven’t worked
- You’re experiencing medication side effects
- You want to enhance existing treatments
Success rates:
- Thirty percent of patients see a significant (30% or greater) improvement in symptoms.
- Fifty to sixty percent of patients report at least a 20% reduction in OCD symptoms.
- TMS often works faster than medication.
Is TMS safe, and are there any side effects?
TMS is FDA-cleared for OCD (Brainsway in 2018, MagVenture in 2020) and is considered a safe, localized treatment with fewer side effects than medications.
Mild and temporary side effects:
- Headaches
- Scalp discomfort
- Lightheadedness
Rare but serious risks:
- Seizures (very rare)
- Hearing sensitivity (due to clicking sound)
- Mania (for those with bipolar disorder)
Most people resume normal activities immediately and report feeling more focused after treatment.
Will TMS affect my current medications?
TMS does not interfere with medications, but some patients:
- Reduce or stop medication as symptoms improve
- Continue using medication alongside TMS
Your doctor will customize your treatment plan based on your needs.
How can I tell if I have OCD?
OCD involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that cause distress and interfere with daily life.
Common OCD themes:
- Contamination fears (washing compulsions)
- Checking behaviors (fear of mistakes or harm)
- Relationship OCD (doubts about love/fidelity)
- Perfectionism and moral obsessions
Not all OCD themes are listed here, and not everyone experiences both obsessions and compulsions. A diagnosis should be made by a trained professional.
Does TMS therapy hurt?
TMS is not painful, but some patients feel mild scalp discomfort or headaches at first. These usually fade after one to two weeks. There are no cognitive side effects, and you can drive and resume daily activities after treatment.
How will I feel after treatment?
Most patients feel normal after treatment. Some report:
- More energy and better focus
- Less distress from obsessive thoughts
- A better ability to resist compulsions
A mild headache or tiredness may occur but usually fades quickly.
Does insurance cover TMS for OCD?
Insurance coverage for TMS and OCD is improving but not guaranteed.
- Most plans cover TMS for depression.
- Some allow TMS adjustments to address OCD if depression is also present.
Our team advocates for coverage and will handle the insurance process for you before treatment starts.