Key Takeaways
- TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is FDA-cleared for teens ages 15 to 21 with depression, when used alongside antidepressant treatment.
- TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, and the most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache.
- TMS does not require surgery, anesthesia, or downtime, so most teens can return to school and activities after each session.
- A thorough screening comes first, so your teen's provider can check medical history, current care, and safety factors before any treatment.
- Foundation Psychiatry offers TMS for qualifying teens in Atlanta, and you can request an appointment for a TMS consultation to talk through your teen's options.
Why 'Is It Safe?' Is the First Question Parents Ask
When your teen is struggling with depression, it's natural to want answers fast. It's just as natural to feel cautious about any treatment that sounds new. Many parents have heard of TMS for adults, but hearing it mentioned for a 15- or 16-year-old can raise a lot of questions.
This guide walks through what the FDA clearance for teens actually means, which side effects are most common, and what to expect at a first consultation. The goal is simple: to give you clear information so you can make a calm, informed decision with your teen.
What FDA Clearance for Adolescent TMS Means
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain involved in mood. According to the Mayo Clinic overview of transcranial magnetic stimulation, it's called 'noninvasive' because it's done without surgery or cutting the skin.
Beginning in 2024, the FDA has cleared TMS systems as an add-on (adjunct) treatment for major depressive disorder in teens ages 15 to 21. An adjunct treatment is one that is used together with another treatment, not in place of it. As Psychiatric Times reported on the first adolescent clearance, the FDA's review looked at TMS used alongside antidepressant therapy compared with antidepressant therapy alone.
What This Means in Practice
- TMS is an added layer of care. For teens, it's cleared to be used with antidepressant treatment, not as a replacement for it.
- It's for depression specifically. The teen clearance covers major depressive disorder. It does not extend to other conditions for this age group.
- Age matters. The clearance applies to teens 15 and older. Younger children are not included.
- Treatment history matters. TMS for teens is generally considered when depression hasn't improved enough with antidepressant medication. Your teen's provider will review what's been tried so far.
- A prescription is required. A psychiatric provider must evaluate your teen and decide whether TMS is a good fit.
To learn more about how Foundation Psychiatry began offering this option, read Foundation Psychiatry's announcement on TMS for qualifying teens.
TMS for Teens: Side Effects to Know About
TMS side effects tend to be mild and short-lived. The Mayo Clinic notes that side effects are generally mild to moderate, improve shortly after a session, and decrease over time with more sessions.
Common Side Effects
- Scalp discomfort or pain where the coil sits
- Headache
- Tingling, spasms, or twitching of facial muscles
- Lightheadedness
If a side effect bothers your teen, their provider can adjust the stimulation level to make sessions more comfortable.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are uncommon. According to the Mayo Clinic, they may include seizures, mania (an unusually high or 'wired' mood), particularly in people with bipolar disorder, and hearing loss if the ears aren't protected. This is why earplugs are used during every session and why screening before treatment is so important.
How TMS Compares to Medication Alone
Because TMS for teens is used together with antidepressant treatment, it helps to understand how the two differ. The table below shows the key differences in plain terms.
| Factor | TMS | Oral Antidepressant Medication |
|---|---|---|
| How it's given | Magnetic pulses through a coil placed on the scalp | A pill taken by mouth |
| Where it works | Targets a specific area of the brain involved in mood | Travels through the whole body |
| Common side effects | Scalp discomfort, headache, facial twitching, lightheadedness | Varies by medication; your teen's prescriber will review them |
| Anesthesia needed? | No | No |
| Time commitment | Sessions usually 5 days a week for several weeks | Daily dose at home |
| Recovery time | None; teens can usually return to school or activities after each session | None |
| Role for teens 15–21 | FDA-cleared as an add-on to antidepressant treatment | Often part of the core treatment plan |
A TMS consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. It's a chance for your family to ask questions and for the provider to learn about your teen.
Step 1: A Full Evaluation
The Mayo Clinic explains that before TMS, patients may need a physical exam and a mental health evaluation. Your teen's provider will likely ask about:
- Current and past depression treatments, including medications
- Any history of seizures or a family history of epilepsy
- Metal or implanted medical devices near the head
- Other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder
- Frequent or severe headaches
Step 2: Talking Through Fit
Next, the provider will explain whether TMS makes sense as part of your teen's plan. This is a good time to ask how TMS will work alongside your teen's current medication and therapy.
If your teen is under 18, a parent or guardian takes part in the consent process. Throughout treatment, the care team checks in regularly on your teen's mood, sleep, and overall well-being, as they would with any depression care.
Step 3: The First Treatment Session (If You Move Forward)
The first TMS session usually takes longer than the rest. According to the Mayo Clinic, the provider 'maps' the best spot on the head and the right amount of energy. Your teen will sit in a reclining chair, wear earplugs, and feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. They stay awake and alert the whole time.
Common Parent Concerns About TMS
'Will This Disrupt My Teen's School Schedule?'
TMS does take time. The Mayo Clinic notes that sessions are generally done five times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. The length of each session depends on the type of stimulation used. Because there's no anesthesia or recovery time, most teens can head back to school or activities right after a session. Ask the Foundation Psychiatry team about scheduling options that fit around your teen's classes.
'What About Long-Term Safety?'
This is a fair question. TMS has been FDA-cleared for adults with depression since 2008, and the teen clearance is more recent. The Mayo Clinic notes that more study is needed to know whether TMS may have long-term side effects. A good provider will talk openly with you about what is and isn't known.
'Does TMS Replace My Teen's Therapy or Medication?'
No. For teens, TMS is cleared as an add-on to antidepressant treatment. It's typically one piece of a bigger plan that may also include talk therapy and medication management.
'How Do I Know If My Teen Needs More Help?'
The U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion guide to teen depression screening notes that if a teen has several depression symptoms every day for at least 2 weeks, it could be depression. Signs may include feeling sad or irritable most of the time, losing interest in activities, and changes in sleep or appetite.
If your teen is talking about death or suicide, get help right away. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Find Clear Answers About TMS for Your Teen in Atlanta
TMS is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared option for teens 15 and older with depression, and it's designed to work alongside, not instead of, their current care. Foundation Psychiatry can help your family understand whether it's a safe, sensible next step for your teen.
To get started, request an appointment for a TMS consultation at Foundation Psychiatry or call (404) 902-6184. You can also learn more about TMS therapy at Foundation Psychiatry before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TMS safe for teenagers?
TMS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. For teens ages 15 to 21, it is FDA-cleared as an add-on treatment for depression. Most side effects, like headache or scalp discomfort, are mild and fade after sessions. A screening visit helps make sure TMS is a safe choice for your teen.
What are the most common TMS for teens side effects?
The most common side effects are scalp discomfort, headache, facial muscle twitching, and lightheadedness. These usually improve shortly after each session and tend to lessen as treatment goes on. Serious side effects, like seizures, are rare.
How old does my child need to be for TMS for adolescent depression in Atlanta?
The FDA clearance for adolescent TMS covers teens ages 15 to 21 with major depressive disorder. A provider at Foundation Psychiatry can review your teen's history to see whether they qualify.
Will my teen need to stop taking their antidepressant during TMS?
For teens, TMS is cleared to be used together with antidepressant treatment, not as a replacement. Your teen's provider will talk with you about how TMS fits with their current medication plan.
What happens during a TMS consultation for teens?
During a TMS consultation for teens, the provider reviews your teen's mental health history, past treatments, and medical factors like seizure history or implanted devices. You'll also have time to ask questions about side effects, scheduling, and how TMS fits into your teen's overall care.
