Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is not a personality quirk. It is a mental health condition marked by recurring, unwanted thoughts, repetitive behaviors, or both. Symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. At Revitalize Ketamine Clinic in Prescott Valley, AZ, we offer TMS therapy as one potential treatment option for eligible patients with OCD.
For people who have not found adequate relief with established care, FDA-cleared TMS may be worth discussing as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
OCD and Established Treatment Options
OCD can involve intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals intended to reduce distress. Treatment often includes psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Exposure and response prevention, or ERP, is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy specifically designed for OCD. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also be part of treatment. TMS should not be viewed as a replacement for ERP, medication management, or appropriate psychiatric care. Instead, it may be considered when symptoms remain difficult despite prior treatment.
How TMS Works for OCD
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in targeted areas of the brain. It does not require surgery or anesthesia.
In 2018, the FDA permitted marketing of the BrainsWay Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation System for adults with OCD. The FDA reviewed a randomized study of 100 patients. In that study, 38% of participants receiving active treatment had a greater than 30% reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores, compared with 11% of participants receiving sham treatment. Individual results vary.
Revitalize lists BrainsWay Deep TMS among the systems used in its TMS program. The specific device, treatment target, and protocol should be determined through an individual clinical evaluation.
What to Expect During a TMS Course
Before treatment begins, we conduct a thorough evaluation that includes your OCD symptoms, treatment history, and relevant medical and psychiatric information. The goal is to determine whether TMS is appropriate and, if so, develop an individualized plan.
TMS treatment involves a series of outpatient sessions over several weeks. During a session, a treatment coil is placed against the scalp and delivers magnetic pulses. Some patients notice tapping sensations, scalp discomfort, or a mild headache. Treatment does not involve anesthesia, and patients remain awake during each visit.
The exact number, frequency, and duration of sessions can vary by device, protocol, clinical response, and insurance requirements. If you’d like to understand what a multi-session treatment schedule may involve, our blog post on how long OCD flare-ups last offers helpful context on the cyclical nature of OCD symptoms.
TMS as Part of a Comprehensive OCD Plan
TMS can be part of a broader care plan that includes ERP, medication management, and other appropriate psychotherapy. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that deep repetitive TMS may be used alongside medication, psychotherapy, or both for people with severe OCD whose symptoms have not improved with other treatments.
Results vary by individual. TMS does not guarantee symptom remission, and it should not be presented as a standalone cure for OCD. Our approach is to consider TMS within the larger context of each patient’s treatment history, goals, and support system.
Insurance coverage for TMS for OCD varies. FDA clearance does not guarantee coverage under every health plan. During consultation, ask about clinical eligibility, prior authorization requirements, and whether your plan covers the specific OCD protocol being considered.
The Revitalize Approach in Prescott Valley
At Revitalize, we aim to provide thoughtful, evidence-informed care in a supportive outpatient environment. Our full treatment menu includes TMS, medication management, ketamine services, and other options that may be relevant depending on a patient’s diagnosis and clinical needs.
For additional general information on treatment expectations and outcomes, read Is TMS Treatment Effective?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMS for OCD covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer, plan, diagnosis, medical history, and prior authorization requirements. Confirm your benefits directly with your insurer and discuss coverage questions during consultation.
How is Deep TMS different from standard TMS?
Both use magnetic stimulation, but device design and treatment protocols differ. Deep TMS is one type of FDA-cleared device approach for OCD. Not every TMS device or protocol has the same OCD indication, so your provider should explain the technology being considered for your treatment.
How soon do patients notice improvement with TMS for OCD?
Response timing varies. Some patients may notice changes during the treatment course, while others may need more time to assess response. Your provider may use symptom measures such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale to track progress.
Can TMS be combined with my current medications?
TMS may be used alongside medication and psychotherapy, but treatment decisions should be individualized. Do not start, stop, or change psychiatric medications without speaking with your prescribing clinician.
Are there side effects from TMS?
Common side effects can include headache, scalp discomfort, tingling, facial muscle twitching, or lightheadedness. Seizure is a rare but serious potential risk. Certain metal implants or devices near the head may make TMS inappropriate. Discuss your medical history fully during evaluation.
Key Takeaways
- OCD is a serious condition involving obsessions, compulsions, or both.
- ERP and medication remain important established treatment options for many people with OCD.
- FDA-cleared Deep TMS is a noninvasive option that may be considered for eligible adults with OCD.
- TMS should be part of an individualized care plan, not a replacement for appropriate psychotherapy or medication management.
- Insurance coverage for OCD-specific TMS protocols varies and should be verified before treatment begins.
Living with OCD in Prescott Valley does not mean you have to navigate treatment decisions alone. At Revitalize Ketamine Clinic, we offer consultations to help patients understand whether TMS may fit into their broader care plan. Call our Prescott Valley location at 928-493-8222 or schedule a consultation online today.
References
Carmi, L., Tendler, A., Bystritsky, A., Hollander, E., Blumberger, D. M., Daskalakis, J., Ward, H., Lapidus, K., Goodman, W., Casuto, L., Feifel, D., Barnea-Ygael, N., Roth, Y., Zangen, A., & Zohar, J. (2019). Efficacy and safety of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A prospective multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(11), 931-938. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.18101180
International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for OCD. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/tms/
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, December). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-or-repetitive-behaviors-take-over
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018, August 17). FDA permits marketing of transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-permits-marketing-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-treatment-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy, TMS, SPRAVATO®, and medication management should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed provider familiar with your full medical and psychiatric history. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room.