When Standard Antidepressants Fail, There Is Still Hope.

Living with depression is hard, but Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can be especially painful when one treatment after another fails to help. You lose hope.

If you have tried multiple medications but the weight of depression hasn’t lifted, you are not “broken.” You may simply need a different approach. Finding the right treatment can take time, but TMS may be the solution that finally makes you feel like yourself again.

At Zoe Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, we provide this safe, FDA-cleared therapy to help patients in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and find relief without the systemic side effects of medication.

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief, and highly focused magnetic pulses designed to stimulate brain cells. It offers long-lasting improvements for depression symptoms, providing a powerful alternative to the traditional medication regimen.

At Zoe Psychiatry, we prioritize precision. We provide TMS therapy using the advanced Magstim system—a global leader in neuroscience technology—to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.

How Does TMS Work? (The Science)

In patients with depression, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain (specifically the mood centers) is shown to be reduced or “asleep.”

TMS targets these specific areas. The magnetic pulses reawaken these cells, increasing brain activity to appropriate levels. Over time, this stimulation restores the neural pathways that control your mood.

TMS vs. Antidepressants

TMS is typically prescribed when antidepressants have failed, or their side effects are intolerable.

• Antidepressants are Systemic: Medication is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulates through your entire body. This can cause numerous side effects like weight gain, nausea, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.
• TMS is Non-Invasive: It is a localized, outpatient procedure. Because the treatment targets only the brain and does not enter the bloodstream, there are no systemic side effects.

Possible Side Effects

TMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. Clinical studies show that the most common side effects are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and mild headaches. Both of these are transient (short-term) and typically diminish as your scalp gets used to the treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

TMS is performed right here in our doctor’s office in Allen, TX or OKC. It is designed to fit into your daily life with zero downtime.

1. The Setup: You will be seated in a comfortable treatment chair. Some measurements will be taken to ensure precision, and you will be provided with earplugs for your comfort.
2. The Session: Your doctor will position the magnetic coil on your head. You will hear a clicking sound and feel a moderate tapping sensation on your head when the magnetic pulses are delivered. You remain awake and alert the entire time.
3. The Duration: Treatment sessions last between 3 – 37.5 minutes, depending on your specific protocol.
4. Heading Home: Following your session, you can drive yourself home and resume normal activities (work, gym, school) for the rest of the day.

A full course of treatment is typically performed 5 days a week over a 6-week period.

Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

Yes. TMS is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare.

While Prior Authorization is typically required for insurance coverage, our administrative team will take care of this entire process for you, verifying your benefits before you start.

Is TMS an Option for Me?

In the US, TMS therapy is approved for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.

This means you should ask us about TMS if:

• You have been diagnosed with MDD.
• Medications are not working for you.
• The side effects of your current pills are intolerable.