Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people worldwide, including Australian veterans and first responders, leaving them trapped in a cycle of anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. While traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and medication have helped many, they aren’t always effective for everyone. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has emerged as a promising, evidence-based alternative, especially for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. But how does TMS therapy work for PTSD, and what can patients expect from the treatment process?
In this article, we explore the science behind TMS therapy, how it helps alleviate PTSD symptoms, and what you can expect if you choose to undergo this non-invasive mental health treatment.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents. Common symptoms include:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Emotional detachment or numbness
- Anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness
PTSD can be debilitating, interfering with work, relationships, and daily functioning. While talk therapy (like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and medication are frontline treatments, they may not work for everyone—especially those with chronic or treatment-resistant PTSD.
What Is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses to target specific regions of the brain associated with mood regulation and emotional processing. TMS therapy is typically performed using a device placed on the scalp, delivering repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells.
There are several forms of TMS therapy, each designed to target specific areas of the brain and suit different clinical needs.
- Repetitive TMS (rTMS) involves the delivery of rapid, repeated magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the outer regions of the brain, commonly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
- Deep TMS (dTMS), on the other hand, uses an H-coil system to penetrate deeper brain regions that play a key role in PTSD, including areas involved in emotional regulation, fear response, and memory processing.
TMS therapy is TGA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and research continues to demonstrate its effectiveness for PTSD.
How TMS Helps Treat PTSD
PTSD is associated with changes in brain activity, particularly in regions involved in fear, memory, and emotional regulation—such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Individuals with PTSD often have overactive fear circuits and impaired top-down control from the prefrontal cortex.
TMS therapy targets these areas—especially the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—to rebalance brain activity. By modulating neural circuits involved in emotional regulation and fear response, TMS can help reduce symptoms of hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbness.
Key Benefits of TMS Therapy for PTSD:
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Minimal side effects
- No need for sedation or anaesthesia
- Can be used alongside existing therapies
- Supported by growing clinical research
In some cases, TMS may even enhance the brain’s plasticity, allowing patients to better engage with psychological therapies during or after treatment.
What to Expect During TMS Treatment
If you're considering TMS therapy for PTSD, it helps to know what the process involves.
1. Initial Assessment
Your journey typically begins with a consultation with a psychiatrist or clinical team. At Monarch Mental Health Group, this includes a comprehensive mental health assessment to determine whether TMS is appropriate for your condition. You may also undergo diagnostic assessments and a medication review as part of a personalised treatment plan.
2. Planning and Mapping
If you’re a candidate for TMS, the next step involves identifying the specific area of the brain to target. Using advanced mapping techniques, the clinician will locate the optimal position on your scalp for the TMS coil, usually near the left or right DLPFC.
3. Treatment Sessions
TMS sessions are typically conducted 5 days a week for 4–6 weeks, with each session lasting around 20-30 minutes depending on the protocol. You’ll be seated in a comfortable chair, awake and alert. The TMS coil is placed against your scalp, and magnetic pulses are delivered in bursts.
You may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp and hear clicking noises from the machine. Most patients tolerate the treatment well.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments
Throughout your treatment, your clinician will monitor your progress and adjust settings if needed. This may involve changing the intensity or duration of stimulation to suit your comfort and response levels.
Are There Any Side Effects?
TMS therapy is safe and generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects than medications. Common side effects include:
- Mild headache or scalp discomfort at the treatment site
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
These typically resolve within a few hours. Serious side effects such as seizures are extremely rare, especially when TMS is administered by trained professionals under clinical supervision.
How Soon Will I See Results?
The response to TMS therapy varies between individuals. Some patients report improvements in mood and PTSD symptoms within the first two weeks, while others may require the full course of treatment before noticing significant changes. The cumulative effect of regular sessions is key to long-term improvement.
Ongoing clinical trials and case studies have shown significant symptom reduction in patients with PTSD following TMS therapy—particularly when combined with psychological therapies or as part of a broader recovery plan.
At Monarch Mental Health Group, we tailor TMS treatment to your individual needs, ensuring a safe and effective pathway to recovery.
Why TMS Could Be the Breakthrough You Need
PTSD can cast a long shadow over your life—but effective, evidence-based treatments are available. TMS therapy offers new hope to those who’ve tried everything else. With expert care, careful monitoring, and a personalised approach, TMS therapy could be the next step on your journey to recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD and considering TMS therapy, contact Monarch Mental Health Group to learn more. Our psychiatrist-led teams are here to help you regain control and move forward through your mental health journey with confidence.
FAQs
Is TMS therapy safe for treating PTSD?
Yes, TMS therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is considered very safe and effective when administered by trained professionals. It’s non-invasive, requires no anaesthesia, and has minimal side effects—usually just mild scalp discomfort or headaches. Serious risks like seizures are extremely rare. It’s a well-tolerated option for people who haven’t responded well to traditional medications or therapies. Contact us today for more information on TMS therapy in Australia.
How long does it take to see results from TMS therapy?
Many people with PTSD or depression begin to notice improvements within the first 2–3 weeks of treatment, but full benefits usually emerge after completing a full course—typically around 4–6 weeks. Since TMS works cumulatively, consistent sessions are key. Some patients at our Australian mental health clinics continue to improve even after therapy ends, especially when combined with other treatments like psychotherapy.
Can I continue my current medications during TMS therapy?
In most cases, yes. TMS can be safely used alongside antidepressants and other medications. At our Australian mental health clinics, your psychiatrist will review your current prescriptions during the initial assessment to ensure there are no contraindications. Some patients find they need less medication after TMS and it is also a promising alternative to medication in treatment-resistant cases, but this should always be done under medical supervision.
Does TMS therapy for PTSD hurt or feel uncomfortable?
For the majority of the patients at our clinics in Australia, PTSD TMS treatments are painless, though you might feel a tapping sensation on your scalp during the session. Some people experience mild discomfort or a light headache afterwards, but these side effects usually fade quickly. There’s no sedation or recovery time needed—you can drive yourself home and return to your normal activities straight after.
Is TMS therapy covered by Medicare or insurance in Australia?
Yes, Medicare in Australia does cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy—specifically Repetitive TMS (rTMS)
Eligibility Criteria for Medicare Coverage:
To qualify for Medicare rebates for rTMS treatment, the patient must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
- Have not responded to at least two different classes of antidepressant medications, trialed at therapeutic doses for a minimum of 3 weeks each.
- Have undergone psychological therapy, if clinically appropriate.
- Be referred by a GP or psychiatrist to a psychiatrist trained in rTMS