The numbers behind the best depression treatment you've never heard of.
While you probably haven't heard much about transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the data speaks for itself: it's one of the most effective treatments for persistent depression. Our Radial clinicians are some of the leading researchers of this novel treatment, and the studies we've published underscore its impact. These statistics, drawn from peer-reviewed research, illustrate the real-world effectiveness of TMS treatment—and how it compares to traditional depression treatments.
The measurable impact of accelerated TMS treatment
78%
Remission rate for depression with accelerated TMS
87%
Reported improved quality of life
13 days
Average time to first resultsvs. 4–6 weeks for SSRIs
72%
Experienced sustained remission from major depression
78%
More than double the remission rate of traditional antidepressant treatment
Remission is a medical term for when symptoms improve to the point where depression is no longer clinically significant. And TMS’ remission rate in some studies is over double that of SSRIs and SNRIs.
87%
SWIFT dTMS improved quality oflife for most patients
Mental health conditions have far-reaching effects on every aspect of life, including sleep, relationships, productivity, and wellbeing. That’s why this treatment’s benefits extend beyond symptom reduction. They improve day-to-day functioning, emotional wellbeing, and how we interact with those around us.
A new approach for
teens with depression
75%
Young people find hope aftermultiple failed medications
75% of adolescents aged 11-21 with treatment-resistant depression who had tried an average of 4.5 medications experienced significant improvement with TMS. Therapy and medication may help some teens, but for others for whom traditional treatments haven't worked,, TMS provides hope. Plus, TMS has fewer side effects than traditional antidepressants, which is appealing to many teens and their families.
13 days
TMS works fast.
Antidepressants don't.
For adolescents with treatment-resistant depression, once-daily TMS treatment started working after an average of 13 days. SSRIs typically take 4 to 6 weeks—if they work at all. For patients in acute distress that difference can be life-changing.
Beyond depression, TMS works broadly
TMS has demonstrated meaningful outcomes across OCD, anxiety, and substance abuse.
52%
OCD symptom improvement
TMS is FDA-cleared for OCD, a challenging condition to treat. Over half of those with OCD saw symptom improvement within a month of TMS, often after years of frustration with traditional treatments.
62%
OCD remission rate
Approximately a third of treatment-resistantOCD patients achieve full remission following deep TMS — significant for those who haven't responded to medication or therapy.
6→2
Unproductive days per week
People with OCD not only see symptom improvement but also regain productive days. This regained time can be used to advance their careers, pursue hobbies, or connect with friends and family.
62%
With both accelerated and traditional dTMS, measured after 6 weeks, anxiety can be reduced by 62%.
While TMS is most commonly known as a depression treatment, it may reduce symptoms of anxiety and anxious depression too. And whether someone chooses accelerated dTMS (all sessions provided in five to seven days) or traditional TMS (when one session is provided every day for around 30 days), the results may be significant.
16–17
Sessions before response or remission begins
44%
Still at least halfway better six months later
66%
Of people with treatment-resistant depression improved in a month with fMRI-guided Accelerated TMS treatment
35%
Tolerability that sets TMS apart
The most common TMS side effect is a mild headache, reported by 35% of patients. Antidepressants cause side effects in roughly 63% —often including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotionalblunting. TMS side effects are not only less common, they tend to be more mild and may go away shortly after a TMS session ends. In contrast, antidepressant side effects are much more prevalent and often reduce someone’s quality of life.
72%
Results that last—sustained
remission over time
Around 72% of dTMS patients experienced sustained remission. Six months after treatment, 44% were still at least halfway better—without ongoing sessions. For a chronic condition like depression, durability of response is one of the most important clinical outcomes.
A lifeline for more
than depression
TMS is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological treatment option for substance use disorders.
33%
Tobacco abstinence at 6 months
Tobacco users who underwent TMS had a 33% abstinence rate 6 months post-treatment — meaningful results for one of the hardest habits to break.
3 months
Reduced alcohol use
People with alcohol use disorder treated with TMS saw reduced consumption sustained for up to 3 months after their treatment course ended.
Hours
Rapid mood improvement
Research suggests accelerated TMS mayimprove mood within just hours of a session — opening new possibilities for acute mentalhealth intervention.
TMS vs. Antidepressants
A direct look at how TMS compares to traditional antidepressant medications across the outcomes that matter most.
Ready to learn more?
Find out if TMS is right for you and your story.
Whether you're a patient exploring options or a journalistcovering mental health innovation, our team is here to help.
