TMS For OCD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a novel and innovative treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific circuits within the brain. It is widely believed that disorders of the brain commonly stem from dysfunction within neural circuits. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comes under that category, and as such its symptoms can be targeted using TMS.

Leading TMS OCD Treatment In Stamford, CT

OCD symptoms mainly consist of intrusive, disturbing thoughts and compulsive behaviors. When unmanaged, these can impact an individual’s daily life, even when completing seemingly simple tasks. This alone can reduce quality of life through pervasive effects in multiple life domains, including education, career, and family and social relationships. To preserve quality of life and daily functioning, treatment through medication and psychotherapy can be transformative. However, for many, these treatments do not result in reduced symptoms to a desirable level. TMS can be used as a stand-alone or adjunct therapy to improve OCD symptoms by targeting appropriate brain areas.

How Does Deep TMS Work in OCD Treatment?

At Evolve Brain Health, we use technology developed by BrainsWay, specifically for Deep TMS (dTMS) with H-coils. dTMS is crucial in the treatment of OCD to target relevant brain regions. A well-supported model of OCD purports that dysfunction in a brain network called the cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuit may underlie OCD symptoms. dTMS aims to target this network by stimulating the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, which is located deep beneath the surface of the brain. In a study stimulating these areas with dTMS, individuals demonstrated a reduction in OCD symptoms compared to those receiving inactive stimulation (ie. placebo).¹

A pre-existing popular TMS treatment for OCD is repetitive TMS (rTMS) which uses figure-8 coils to generate a magnetic field. Unlike H-coils used for dTMS, figure-8 coils for rTMS therapy are incapable of effectively stimulating neurons deep beneath the top layer of brain cells. Our Brainsway dTMS Machine is specifically designed to target deeper brain regions. We take pride in offering this advanced dTMS technology as a part of our services.

How Effective is dTMS for OCD?

TMS treatment for OCD is becoming more widely used, and findings have shown that it is effective in alleviating symptoms of OCD. Research has found that between 45-55% of patients have reduced OCD symptoms one month following treatment.² For patients who are struggling to see results with regular OCD treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychotherapy, TMS is a viable, innovative option. It is a painless, FDA-approved procedure that is non-invasive. We believe it offers an exciting alternative for those impacted by obsessive and compulsive tendencies that may limit their quality of life or daily functioning.

dTMS for OCD at Evolve Brain Health

At Evolve Brain Health, we understand the complex nature of OCD, which is why we have developed a TMS procedure that is thorough and effective. All treatment will take place within the clinic and may be administered over 4 to 6 weeks. 

We hope this page has been able to offer you some useful information about how TMS can be used in alleviating symptoms of OCD. At Evolve Brain Health we take pride in our modern approach towards mental health. Our priority is to provide outstanding patient care and support. Don’t delay your OCD treatment any longer - contact Evolve Brain Health today and we can assist you in the next step of your treatment.

Read Our Patient Reviews

"I highly recommend Evolve Brain Health if you are considering TMS. My experience was extremely positive. Dr. Knightly is very bright, compassionate and patient. He took time to answer all of my questions without ever making me feel rushed. It’s very easy to schedule appointments and always runs right on time. The treatment is very easy-in and out in less than 15 minutes with no side effects!"

"Dr. Knightly was without a doubt, one of the most professional, knowledgeable and experienced Psychiatrists I have ever seen. Honestly, it was an appointment I would look forward to, rather than just any generic Doctor visit, which we all definitely know is not where we want to be. His follow up and true commitment to his patients is hard to find these days. 5 Stars is not enough. He is better than any rating scale and I know will humbly continue to help as many people as he can."

"Dr Knightly is empathetic, professional & informative. He’s walked me through the process & has answered all my questions without hesitation, even the questions I’ve repeatedly asked. During my first session I was overwhelmed with emotion (I’ve tried many things to try to treat my depression) & he validated my experience & made me feel comfortable. I recommend anyone who is interested in TMS to visit his office, you‘re in good hands."

Featured Resources

Interested in learning about various mental health treatments? Visit our Learning Center for clear, easy-to-understand explanations of procedures, protocols, comparisons, and the conditions they address.