TMS: Non Pharmacological Treatment
San Diego
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Unlock Lasting Relief from Depression
TMS therapy in San Diego offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating depression and other mental health conditions.
- Covered by Insurance
- FDA Approved
- Covered by Insurance
- FDA Approved
TMS Therapy
When traditional medications fail to provide relief or cause unwanted side effects, many residents throughout San Diego County are turning to treatment options that don't involve pills or prescriptions. TMS services are now available to patients in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, and the surrounding North County communities, changing how patients address mental health care and offering hope to those struggling with conventional methods.
What Is TMS Treatment and How Does It Work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) delivers magnetic pulses to specific brain regions responsible for mood regulation and emotional processing. This treatment method stimulates neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area often underactive in individuals with depression and other mental health conditions:
The Science Behind Magnetic Field Brain Stimulation
TMS treatment utilizes electromagnetic coils positioned near the scalp to generate magnetic fields that penetrate brain tissue. These coils generate 2-Tesla magnetic fields using 7,000 amps of current, creating electric fields of approximately 100 V/m in brain tissue that trigger neural depolarization through Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction (Deng, NIMH 2020; FDA 21 CFR 882.5805). Magnetic pulses induce electrical currents in targeted neurons, modulating brain activity and promoting neuroplasticity through NMDA receptor activation and calcium influx mechanisms (Chervyakov et al., 2015).
Research demonstrates that repeated stimulation helps reorganize neural circuits by inducing structural remodeling of inhibitory synapses and enhancing synaptic plasticity (Lenz et al., 2016). This improves communication between brain regions that regulate emotions and cognitive function through enhanced prefrontal-limbic connectivity pathways (He et al., 2023).
FDA-Approved TMS Applications and Clinical Evidence
The Food and Drug Administration first approved TMS treatment for depression in 2008, followed by approval for additional mental health conditions based on extensive clinical research:
Depression Treatment Success Rates and Studies
Clinical research demonstrates that TMS treatment achieves significant success rates for patients with major depressive disorder, including those whose depression stems from traumatic events. Studies show response rates ranging from 70-82% and remission rates of 30-65%, depending on the specific protocol and patient population (O'Reardon et al., Biological Psychiatry, 2007; Deep TMS H1 Coil study, ScienceDirect, 2023).
Sollus Health patients consistently report transformative outcomes that reflect these clinical findings. These are real patient reviews from Google:
- Dominic N.: "I cannot thank Sollus Health enough for providing an experience that truly changed my life. I came in with major issues revolving around Bipolar Depression and Anxiety. I noticed decreases in depression and anxiety within the first few weeks of treatment. Near the end of my journey, I noticed a complete shift in my mental health."
- Dan A.: "Saved my life, helped cure my depression after just my first session. Amazing staff, truly care about their patients."
- Steff W.: "Sollus Health may have saved my life. I was out of options and took a chance on TMS, not knowing what to expect. It changed my life."
TMS for Anxiety, OCD, and Other Mental Health Conditions
Beyond depression, TMS treatment addresses obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders. The FDA approved TMS for OCD treatment in 2017, with clinical studies showing 38% of patients responded to active treatment versus 11% for sham treatment (FDA, 2017). Studies show significant symptom reduction across multiple diagnostic categories, offering hope for patients with complex presentations who have not responded to traditional approaches.
Who Is a Candidate for
TMS Treatment?
MS treatment serves adults aged 18 and older experiencing mental health conditions that have not responded adequately to conventional approaches. Candidates typically have tried multiple medications or psychotherapy interventions with insufficient results:
Ideal Patients for Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
Suitable candidates include individuals with treatment-resistant depression, those unable to tolerate medication side effects, and patients seeking drug-free alternatives. TMS treatment may benefit adults who have exhausted traditional options without success. Medical evaluation determines individual appropriateness based on symptom severity, treatment history, and personal health factors.
Medical Conditions That May Benefit from TMS
TMS treatment addresses several mental health conditions through targeted brain stimulation protocols:
- Major Depressive Disorder: FDA-approved in 2008 for treatment-resistant depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: FDA-approved in 2017 with a 38% response rate versus 11% for sham treatment
- Anxious Depression: FDA-approved in 2021 for depression with comorbid anxiety symptoms
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Studies show positive treatment outcomes for patients who have experienced traumatic events
- Bipolar Depression: Clinical research demonstrates benefits for depressive symptoms
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Research shows promising results for anxiety symptom management
The TMS Treatment Process:
What to Expect
TMS treatment follows a structured protocol designed to maximize therapeutic benefit while maintaining patient comfort. The process begins with thorough evaluation and continues through individualized treatment delivery:
Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning
Psychiatric professionals conduct comprehensive assessments, reviewing medical history, previous treatment responses, and current symptoms. This evaluation determines treatment appropriateness and develops personalized protocols. Treatment planning considers individual brain anatomy, symptom presentation, and therapeutic goals to optimize outcomes for each patient.
Typical Session Duration and Treatment Schedule
Individual TMS treatment sessions follow a predictable schedule designed for patient convenience:
- Session Length: 20 to 40 minutes per treatment
- Treatment Schedule: Five days weekly over four to six weeks
- Patient Experience: Remain awake and alert, experiencing mild tapping sensations
- Recovery Time: Return to normal activities immediately following each session
Side Effects and Recovery Compared to Drug Therapies
TMS treatment produces minimal side effects compared to psychiatric medications. Patients may experience mild scalp discomfort or headaches typically resolved within the first week of treatment. This approach avoids systemic effects such as cognitive impairment, metabolic changes, or withdrawal symptoms associated with pharmaceutical interventions.
Sollus Health: Leading TMS Treatment in San Diego
Sollus Health specializes in cutting-edge TMS treatment for North County San Diego residents, utilizing the Apollo chair technology rated highest by the FDA. Contact our Carlsbad clinic at 619-649-6658 to schedule your consultation and see how advanced magnetic stimulation restores your mental wellness without medication.
Sources:
- Chervyakov, A.V., et al. (2015). Possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, 303.
- ScienceDirect, March 24, 2023. Deep TMS H1 Coil treatment for depression: Results from a large post marketing data analysis.
- Deng, Z.D. (2020). Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Physics, devices, and modeling. National Institute of Mental Health.
- FDA. (2017). FDA permits marketing of transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. FDA Press Release, August 18, 2017.
- FDA. (2011). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) systems - Class II special controls guidance. 21 CFR 882.5805.
- He, X., et al. (2023). The VLPFC-engaged voluntary emotion regulation: Combined TMS-fMRI evidence for the neural circuit of cognitive reappraisal. Journal of Neuroscience, 43(34), 6046-6055.
- Lenz, M., et al. (2016). Repetitive magnetic stimulation induces plasticity of inhibitory synapses. Nature Communications, 7, 10020.
- O'Reardon, J.P., et al. (2007). Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression. Biological Psychiatry, 62(11), 1208-1216.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions without systemic side effects. This FDA-approved approach targets the prefrontal cortex to regulate mood and emotional processing following depression, anxiety, or traumatic events.
Non-pharmacological treatment avoids the systemic effects and potential complications associated with psychiatric medications. Magnetic stimulation provides targeted brain treatment, allowing patients to maintain normal daily activities.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY
A Simple Process to Begin Your TMS Journey
Take the first step toward lasting relief from depression with TMS therapy, a non-invasive, medication-free treatment designed to restore your well-being.
Break free from depression
Our team is here to guide you through a personalized journey to reclaim your mental health and regain control of your life.
