Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was approved in 2018 by the FDA for the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), following its successful use for depression and anxiety. Research suggests TMS can significantly reduce the symptoms of OCD. Read on to learn more.
What is OCD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD is often a long-lasting disorder in which individuals experience uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over. It affects about 2.3% of US adults, with approximately 50% experiencing severe impairment. [1].
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies OCD as an anxiety disorder. These are ranked among the top six causes of disability worldwide. OCD symptoms are often time-consuming and can cause significant distress, interfering with daily life. Many people who have OCD have also been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.
OCD is typically treated with psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy) and medications. However, medications take time to determine if they are effective, and some people experience various side effects. Unfortunately, about 40%-60% of these patients do not adequately respond to psychotherapy and medication [2].
Unlike depression, which is episodic, OCD is a chronic illness and takes an average of 14 to 17 years from the time OCD first appears for individuals to receive appropriate treatment. This is why some psychiatric providers are advocating for the use of deep TMS earlier in the treatment continuum rather than later [3].
What Is TMS and How Does It Work for OCD?
TMS is a non-invasive outpatient procedure performed while you sit in a chair. A magnetic coil is placed on your scalp above the front area of your brain (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). It uses electromagnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain associated with OCD symptoms. This helps regulate brain activity and alleviate distress.
There are two types of TMS, repetitive (rTMS) and deep (dTMS). rTMS targets areas of the brain closest to the surface, while dTMS allows pulses to reach deeper into the brain. Research shows that dTMS is more effective in reducing OCD symptoms.
Typical sessions last 30-60 minutes and are normally done five days a week for 4-6 weeks. During the procedure, the patient feels tapping and hears the pulsating sounds in short bursts. Some patients experience short-lived and mild side effects, including headaches, which typically resolve within a day.
The Effectiveness of TMS for OCD
Numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of TMS for OCD. A study on dTMS found that over one-third of treatment-resistant OCD patients experienced a 30% reduction in symptom severity [2]. Another study of 200 patients showed that nearly 60% of patients achieved at least a 30% reduction in OCD severity, and almost 90% maintained their improvement for over a year. [3].
Is TMS Right for You?
Although it is considered a safe procedure, TMS may not be suitable for everyone with OCD.
A medical consultation is necessary to determine if TMS is appropriate for you. TMS may be recommended for people who have moderate to severe OCD symptoms that haven’t responded to medication and therapy. TMS may not be recommended if you:
- Use stimulant medications
- Have a history of seizures
- Have metal implants in or near the head (not including dental implants or braces)
- Are pregnant, as TMS has not yet been tested for this
- Other conditions your doctor may advise
The Harper Clinic Approach to TMS
Before starting TMS, a licensed mental health professional will assess whether it’s the right treatment for you. Harper Clinic offers a simple, 3-step consultation process for patients considering TMS:
- Contact Us – Reach out via text, phone, website contact form, or our direct Vagaro booking system to schedule your consultation.
- Personalized Consultation – Meet with a provider who will review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and create a customized care plan tailored to your needs.
- Comprehensive Assessment – Your consultation includes insurance verification, a full medical history review, and an evaluation of past treatment attempts. Depending on your case, your provider may explore alternative or complementary treatments, such as medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
If TMS is determined to be a suitable option, your provider will approve you for treatment and schedule your sessions.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Harper Clinic today to see if TMS is right for you!
Sources
[1] National Institute of Mental Health. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
[2] Roth Y. et al. 2020. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder is efficacious even in patients who failed multiple medications and CBT. Psychiatry Research. Volume 290, August 2020, 113179.
[3] Tendler A. and S. Blackman. 2023. Achieving OCD Relief: Consideration of TMS Earlier in the Treatment Continuum. Psychiatric Times.
Roth Y. et al. 2021. A. Real-world efficacy of deep TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Post-marketing data collected from twenty-two clinical sites. J Psychiatr Res. 2021 May;137:667-672.
Shaay Y. 2025. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for OCD: What to know. NOCD.
