This noninvasive method of treatment uses pulsating magnetic fields that go unobstructed through the skin and skull to harmlessly target the prefrontal cortex of the brain, where mood is supposed to be regulated (but in TRD patients it is not). This is done to stimulate these nerve cells in the brain to help improve mood regulation and lessen symptoms of depression.
TMS is an outpatient, office-based treatment method that involves one 20 to 30-minute session every weekday or so for a total of 30 to 36 sessions during the course of five to six weeks. You can drive yourself to and from each treatment without any disruption to your daily activity. Side effects are minimal and most people experience improvement after four to six weeks of treatment.