TMS FAQ, KEY QUESTIONS
Is TMS experimental?+
No. TMS for major depressive disorder is an established treatment supported by decades of research. Evidence and regulatory status vary for other diagnoses and protocols.
Does TMS require anesthesia?+
No. Conventional TMS is noninvasive and does not require anesthesia or sedation.
Can I drive after TMS?+
Patients can generally drive themselves to and from conventional TMS treatments unless another clinical circumstance makes that inappropriate.
How long is a conventional course?+
Treatment is generally delivered on weekdays over several weeks, with the exact protocol individualized according to indication and clinical circumstances.
What is accelerated TMS?+
Accelerated TMS delivers multiple sessions per day over a compressed treatment course. CNY Psychiatry uses an intensive 50-session program.
Is your accelerated program SAINT/SNT?+
No. It is informed by the accelerated neuromodulation literature and shares the concept of a high-intensity compressed course, but it is not represented as SAINT/SNT.
Do you provide dTMS for OCD?+
No. CNY Psychiatry provides rTMS for selected OCD patients. This approach is off-label.
Do you offer maintenance TMS?+
Maintenance decisions are individualized. We do not assume that every responder requires routine indefinite maintenance. For some patients, watchful follow-up and prompt rescue treatment if symptoms recur may be preferable.
How do you measure response?+
We use symptom measures, but we also look for meaningful functional recovery: work, relationships, interests, motivation, daily activity, and quality of life.