A depressed brain does not operate at full strength in the areas responsible for mood and emotional control. The reduction in activity in these areas means fewer and less healthy communications being sent from the brain to the rest of our nervous system, which is experienced as distorted and negative thought patterns, fatigue, avoidance behaviors, changes in sleep and appetite, and poor motivation.  A depressed brain is less able to decode and respond productively to what is happening in the environment. In OCD, we see hyperactivity in a part of the brain called the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, which is responsible for detecting errors and sending signals that help us determine the relative importance of a threat in the environment. In OCD, this overactivity makes it difficulty to let go of internal or external signals that things "aren't right," resulting in an obsessional focus and compulsive behaviors which are intended to address the threat and soothe the self. However, because this is a brain-based problem, the obsessions and compulsions are not solving anything, and in fact lead to more distress and dysfunction over time.

TMS is a safe, FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses short magnetic pulses to target the exact areas of the brain affected by depression, OCD, anxious depression, or addictions (off-label). We have extensive data and functional brain studies that have informed the accepted targets and intensities for our protocols. In most cases, we proceed with treatment based on clinical symptoms. However, we do offer QEEG brain mapping for a direct and personalized evaluation of your unique brain signature, which can inform our TMS treatment approach.

The TMS magnetic pulse travels through the skull unimpeded to induce neuronal (brain cell) activity. We can adjust the frequency of the stimulus to inhibit (slow down) or stimulate (excite) specific regions of the brain according to our clinical goals. Over time, the repetitive stimulation results in improved cellular metabolism and functioning.  Connections improve between the nerve cells and they begin firing properly again, restoring a more balanced set of networks to allow for improved emotional regulation and less distress.