Why Someone Might Say, “TMS Ruined My Life”

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By Dr. David Woo - January 17, 2025

Published on May 16, 2023. Updated on January 17, 2025

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative treatment for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related conditions. TMS therapy has been used as a mental health treatment for over 15 years, with a high success rate. It is an FDA-approved therapy for depression and OCD and reported side effects are rare. However, TMS doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. As with any psychiatric treatment, it’s normal to have concerns about potential risks or negative experiences. Let’s explore why some people may report that TMS made them worse or say, “TMS ruined my life.”

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS is a non-invasive therapy that is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression as well as OCD in individuals for whom medications have proven unsatisfactory.

TMS therapy involves applying tiny magnetic pulses through the scalp using a helmet-like device called a coil. It can be targeted to specific areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex or amygdala (the areas of our brain associated with emotions), to stimulate the appropriate neurotransmitters that alleviate the symptoms of mood disorders like depression.

TMS balances the patient’s mood by restoring normal activity in the relevant brain regions, helping them achieve remission from their symptoms. As a drug-free treatment, TMS is beneficial for patients who have tried antidepressants without success.

What Is The Controversy With TMS Therapy?

So, why would someone say, “TMS ruined my life?” Although the treatment is not considered controversial in the medical community, there are many popular misconceptions about the use of electromagnetism to treat mental health. TMS therapy is sometimes unfairly conflated with more extreme, invasive interventions, such as electroconvulsive “shock” therapy (ECT), which can have been negatively represented in pop culture. However, unlike ECT, TMS does not break the skin or require implants and is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Although the effectiveness of TMS for treating depression and OCD is well-documented, its use to treat other disorders is considered “off-label” and is the subject of ongoing research.

Generally speaking, TMS is effective for depression-related disorders and comorbid conditions, including:

However, as these off-label uses for TMS are not FDA-approved, they are unlikely to be covered by insurance. Learn more about insurance coverage for TMS.

What Are The Negatives Of TMS?

Negative experiences with TMS are rare, and it’s important to remember that the fact that someone else had a negative experience doesn’t mean that your experience with TMS will be negative.

While TMS is generally well-tolerated, some potential drawbacks include:

Time commitment: Requires daily clinical sessions over several weeks.
Side effects: Possible mild headaches, scalp discomfort, or muscle twitches.
Effectiveness: TMS may not work for everyone, with some patients requiring additional treatments.
Accessibility: Limited availability in some areas, with high costs for out-of-pocket payments.

Although TMS can sometimes cause some uncomfortable side effects, these are typically mild and short-lived when compared to pharmaceutical medications, as shown below:

Comparative Table: Side Effects Of TMS Vs. Antidepressants

Aspect	TMS Therapy	Antidepressants
Common Side Effects	Mild headaches Scalp discomfort Muscle twitching	Nausea Weight gain Sexual dysfunction
Systemic Effects	None, as TMS is localized to brain stimulation	Wide-ranging effects due to systemic medication
Cognitive Effects	No reported memory or cognitive impairment	Possible brain fog or concentration difficulties
Duration of Side Effects	Short-term, typically resolving after a few sessions	Long-term side effects can persist with continued use
Severity	Generally mild and well-tolerated	Can range from mild to severe, including suicidal ideation in rare cases
Dependency Potential	None	None, but withdrawal symptoms can occur if stopped abruptly
Risk of Seizures	Rare (less than 0.1%)	Increased risk with certain medications in predisposed individuals
Impact on Daily Activities	None—patients can resume normal activities immediately	Possible, depending on the side effects experienced
Pregnancy Safety	Safe for pregnant individuals	Not recommended for all antidepressants; varies by medication
Long-Term Risks	Minimal known risks	Long-term use may lead to issues like liver damage or reduced efficacy over time

Understanding TMS Therapy Negative Reviews

Whether you are considering TMS for depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder, it is only natural to look at online reviews of TMS therapy and read other people’s experiences. There are some TMS therapy negative reviews, and we should try to understand what caused them. Below, we outline some common reasons why someone might report a less-than-satisfactory experience with TMS. In all cases, remember that individual experiences do not necessarily reflect the majority or directly apply to everybody. It is crucial for individuals with mental health concerns to consult with mental health professionals to explore suitable treatment options tailored to their specific needs.

Some People May Require A Second Round Of TMS Or TMS + Another Treatment

Everyone responds to different depression treatments differently. Depression treatment often involves a long-term plan that involves trying various treatments and finding what works best for that person. People with difficult-to-treat depression may not respond to antidepressants, and it can be a challenge to find the right treatment. Some patients may require a second round of TMS, maintenance sessions, or TMS combined with another treatment option, like an antidepressant.

Some People May Need To Confirm Their Diagnosis

While it’s not common, it’s possible for someone who has bipolar disorder to be diagnosed with depression. TMS is not an approved treatment option for bipolar disorder and may make bipolar symptoms worse (1). If you’ve ever experienced symptoms of mania or hypomania, or if you have a family member who has experienced these symptoms or who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it would be advisable that you get a second opinion.

“TMS Cost Me My Marriage”: Relationships And Therapy

Sometimes, individuals undergoing TMS therapy have reported challenges in their personal relationships. It’s essential to recognize that the impact of mental health treatments—not just TMS—on relationships can vary greatly from person to person. Changes in mood, energy levels, and overall well-being during and after treatment may affect the dynamics of a relationship. Open communication, education, and partner involvement in the treatment process can contribute to a more supportive environment.

Why Is TMS Making Me Worse?

Most patients go through TMS treatment with little to no side effects. However, there are some patients who experience a TMS “dip” about halfway through treatment. During a dip, a patient may experience a temporary worsening of depression or anxiety symptoms. In our clinic, roughly 20% of our patients experience a temporary dip around week two or three of treatment.

What Does A TMS Dip Feel Like?

While not everyone experiences a TMS dip, those who do often describe it as feeling like a relapse or intensification of their depression or OCD symptoms.

Symptoms of a TMS dip can include:

Increased sadness or low mood: You might feel more emotionally unstable as the treatment “wakes up” certain brain regions that were previously underactive.
Heightened anxiety: Some patients report feeling more restless or on edge than usual.
Fatigue or lack of energy: Symptoms like tiredness or difficulty focusing may temporarily worsen.
Irritability or frustration: Patients may feel impatient or agitated, especially if they expected rapid improvement.
Doubts about treatment effectiveness: The dip can lead to feelings of discouragement or hopelessness regarding the therapy.

What Causes A TMS Dip?

The TMS dip could be the result of the changes that occur in the brain after TMS. TMS uses magnetic pulses to electrically stimulate underactive neurons (brain cells). When underactive neurons are stimulated, they begin to release more neurotransmitters than before (chemical messengers in the brain). This can affect the way that neurons connect and communicate with each other, essentially causing a “reset.” Patients generally begin to feel better from the TMS dip three to four weeks later.

TMS isn’t the only depression treatment that can cause a dip. For example, patients taking antidepressants may also feel a dip at the beginning of treatment. At first, patients may notice a worsening of their symptoms and may experience unpleasant side effects before feeling better. Antidepressants take time to work and for patients to get the full benefits. For this reason, doctors encourage patients to stick with an antidepressant for 6 to 8 weeks before deciding if it’s not working.

If you’re experiencing a dip in your symptoms while being treated for depression, talk to your doctor. It’s important to continue treatment, even if you experience a dip. Your doctor can help you manage symptoms during a dip.

Can TMS Make Depression Worse?

While TMS has demonstrated positive outcomes for many individuals with depression, there are cases where the treatment may not be as effective. Factors such as the severity of depression, individual response to the treatment, and underlying physiological conditions can influence its success. In response, new TMS techniques such as theta burst stimulation or deep TMS, also available at Madison Avenue TMS & Therapy, have been developed to treat individuals for whom standard TMS was ineffective (2). However, there is no evidence to suggest that TMS can make depression worse in individuals whose conditions were correctly diagnosed.

Can TMS Make Anxiety Worse?

TMS is primarily recognized for its application in treating depression. However, research on TMS for anxiety is ongoing (3). Although results so far are promising, individual responses may vary.

The Bottom Line: TMS Is Proven To Be Safe And Effective In Treating Depression

Studies show by and large that TMS is extremely safe and highly effective when used correctly and when the patient is diagnosed correctly with a disorder that TMS is known to treat, like depression (4).

Additionally, patients meet regularly with their psychiatrist during and after TMS treatment. During this time, your doctor will ask how you are handling treatment and will make adjustments if needed.

While some people may have a negative experience with TMS and may say that “TMS ruined my life,” we don’t recommend that patients make their decisions based on what happened to a few people. Based on the results from numerous real-world clinical studies, chances are that TMS will work for you.

Ready to take the next step towards a brighter, healthier mind? Our team at Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry is dedicated to providing compassionate, innovative care to individuals in the New York area. With TMS therapy, many have found a path to improved well-being and relief from depression symptoms.

Don’t let another day pass in the shadows. Contact us online to schedule your consultation, or call (212) 731-2033 to start your journey to recovery today. Your mind deserves the best care; we’re here to provide it. Take action now and rediscover your joy!

More about TMS safety:

Resources:

Hyde, J., Carr, H., Kelley, N., Seneviratne, R., Reed, C., Parlatini, V., et al. Efficacy of neurostimulation across mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of 208 randomized controlled trials. Mol Psychiatry. 2022;27:2709–19. Link. Accessed January 03, 2024.
Cheng, CM., Li, CT., Tsai, SJ. Current Updates on Newer Forms of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Major Depression. In: Kim, YK. (eds) Major Depressive Disorder. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1305. Springer, Singapore. 2021. Link. Accessed Jan 03, 2024.
Trevizol, A. P., Downar, J., Vila-Rodriguez, F., Konstantinou, G., Daskalakis, Z. J., & Blumberger, D. M. Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on anxiety symptoms in patients with major depression: An analysis from the THREE-D trial. Depression and Anxiety. 2021;38(3), 262-271. Link. Accessed Jan 03, 2024.
Tendler, A., Goerigk, S., Zibman, S., Ouaknine, S., Harmelech, T., Pell, G., Zangen, A., Harvey, S., Grammer, G., Stehberg, J., Adefolarin, O., Muir, O., MacMillan, C., Ghelber, D., Duffy, W., Mania, I., Faruqui, Z., Munasif, Fi., Antin, T., Padberg, F., Roth, Y. Deep TMS H1 Coil treatment for depression: Results from a large post marketing data analysis. Psychiatry Research. 2023;324. Link. Accessed January 03, 2024.

Dr. David Woo

Dr. David Woo is the owner and head clinical psychiatrist at Madison Avenue TMS and Therapy in New York City. Dr. Woo has been seeing patients in private practice since 2002, always with the goals of combining evidence-based medicine with psychodynamic psychotherapy and collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He has been certified to administer TMS at his practice since 2017. His greatest clinical interests include helping patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

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