Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia and around the world, affecting an estimated 1 in 7 Australians in their lifetime. For many, antidepressants and therapy can provide significant relief. But for others – especially those living with treatment-resistant depression – traditional approaches fall short. That’s where Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy comes in.
TMS is gaining recognition in Australia as a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based treatment for depression, with global studies confirming its efficacy. But how effective is it really? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind TMS therapy, its success rates, and who can benefit most from this innovative treatment.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Specifically, TMS targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – the area involved in mood regulation – which is often underactive in individuals with depression.
The procedure involves placing a magnetic coil against the scalp. Pulses of magnetic energy are delivered to the brain to stimulate neural activity. Over time, this stimulation is thought to “retrain” the brain and help improve mood regulation.
There are two main types of TMS: repetitive TMS (rTMS) and deep TMS (dTMS). Both have shown promising results, though dTMS can reach deeper brain structures and is often used for more severe or resistant cases.
TMS therapy has been studied extensively in Australia and globally, with consistent findings showing it is both effective and well tolerated.
A landmark Australian study published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2020) found that 50–60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded positively to TMS, with about 30–40% achieving full remission.
Internationally, a meta-analysis of 81 studies published in The British Journal of Psychiatry (2021) concluded that TMS is significantly more effective than sham (placebo) treatments, particularly for patients who have not responded to at least one antidepressant.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TMS for depression since 2008, and Health Canada and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia have since followed suit. Globally, leading health institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognise TMS as an effective treatment option for depression.
TMS therapy for depression works on a completely different mechanism compared to antidepressants. While medication alters neurotransmitter levels chemically, TMS stimulates brain activity electrically. For people who haven’t responded to medications – or can’t tolerate side effects – this makes TMS a particularly valuable alternative.
Some of the most common reasons people turn to TMS include:
TMS is also being explored as a promising option for people with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder – though more research is needed in these areas.
TMS isn’t a quick fix – but for those who respond, the results can be life-changing.
Treatment typically involves five sessions a week for four to six weeks, followed by a tapering phase. Each session lasts around 20–40 minutes, depending on the type of TMS used.
Patients often begin to notice mood improvements by week two or three. According to Monarch Mental Health Group – one of Australia’s leading TMS providers – full benefits are usually experienced around the 20th session, although this varies from person to person.
Importantly, TMS doesn’t require sedation, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
One of the major advantages of TMS therapy is its safety profile. Because it doesn’t involve surgery or medication, side effects are generally mild and short-lived.
The most commonly reported side effects include:
Serious side effects, such as seizures, are extremely rare – occurring in less than 0.1% of cases according to global data from Harvard Medical School and other leading research centres.
For those concerned about long-term effects, current evidence shows no adverse cognitive or memory impacts from TMS therapy, making it a safe treatment for depression.
TMS is most often recommended for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven’t responded to at least one or two antidepressants. In Australia, TMS is typically prescribed by a psychiatrist following a mental health assessment.
It is also important to note that TMS is not suitable for everyone. People with a history of seizures, certain metal implants in the head (such as aneurysm clips or cochlear implants), or other neurological conditions may not be eligible. A full medical and psychiatric assessment is essential before starting treatment.
As with all depression treatments, relapse is possible. However, many patients who respond to TMS experience long-term benefits.
For those who relapse, maintenance TMS – where patients return for periodic sessions – can help prevent symptoms from returning. Some clinics also combine TMS with other therapies such as psychological counselling or medication optimisation for more robust results.
A 2022 review in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment reported that maintenance TMS may significantly reduce the risk of relapse in patients who previously responded to acute treatment.
As awareness grows, more Australians are accessing TMS through specialised clinics. Monarch Mental Health Group, for instance, offers rTMS and dTMS across multiple locations in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria, and is actively engaged in research via the Monarch Research Institute led by Professor Paul Fitzgerald – a global leader in TMS therapy.
The introduction of Medicare rebates for rTMS in 2021 has also made the treatment more accessible for eligible patients, provided they have a referral from a psychiatrist or GP with a current Mental Health Care Plan.
For people living with depression who have tried everything else, TMS therapy offers real hope.
It’s not a miracle cure – but the evidence clearly shows that TMS can be a powerful, effective option for treatment-resistant depression, especially when delivered by experienced, accredited providers.
As research continues and accessibility improves, TMS is reshaping the mental health treatment landscape in Australia and around the world. For patients seeking a non-invasive, drug-free path to recovery, it may be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression or are wondering about TMS therapy costs and Medicaid coverage, speak to the team at Monarch Mental Health Group to explore whether TMS therapy is the right next step.
Yes, TMS for depression is considered very safe. It’s non-invasive, requires no sedation or medication, and has minimal side effects. Most patients experience only mild discomfort at the treatment site or a temporary headache. Serious side effects like seizures are extremely rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases globally.
For many, the benefits of TMS treatment for depression are long-lasting. However, some people may experience a relapse and benefit from maintenance sessions. Combining TMS with ongoing psychological support or medication management can help maintain results. Studies suggest maintenance TMS significantly reduces relapse rates in patients who initially responded well.
Yes, TMS is widely available for treating depression in Australia through specialist clinics such as Monarch Mental Health Group. It is supported by Medicare for eligible patients with a referral from a GP or psychiatrist. Both repetitive TMS (rTMS) and deep TMS (dTMS) are offered depending on the individual’s needs. Contact us today or ask your doctor for a referral.
Absolutely. TMS can be used alongside medication and psychological therapy, or as a standalone treatment. In fact, combining TMS with ongoing support often leads to better outcomes. It’s particularly useful for people who haven’t found success with medication or who prefer a drug-free treatment approach.
TMS therapy costs can vary depending on the clinic and treatment type. However, eligible patients can access a Medicare rebate for rTMS with a referral from your GP and Mental Health Care Plan. Without rebates, sessions may range from $150 to $300 each. Contact Monarch Mental Health Group with a referral from your GP and our team will assist you in accessing rebates.